EFFECT OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND AVERAGE MONTHLY RAINFALL ON ENVIRONMENT-RELATED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION; CASE OF UMUGANDA IN GASABO DISTRICT, RWANDA

David Onderi MAERI, Dr. Abias MANIRAGABA

Abstract


The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of community engagement and average monthly rainfall on environment-related disaster risk reduction, using the example of Umuganda, Gasabo District, Rwanda. Community engagement is measured by community participation rate and monetary value of community participation activities (Umuganda value). The stress and release model of hazard reduction theory was applied in this study, especially in relation to vulnerable (stressed) tenants. Case studies and descriptive studies were used in conducting the study. Data were collected through relevant secondary sources from relevant ministries and other reliable sources. 30-item dataset from 2017-2019 was used for data analysis for this study. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS for descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression. Additionally, the Arc-view GIS 10.2 Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to visualize the imagery, showing the spatial patterns and relationships of the data. Descriptive, correlation and regression analysis were performed and results tabulated before appropriate interpretation and discussion. The study results yielded an R-squared (R2) value of 0.456. This means that 45.6% of the variability in disaster effects can be explained by the three independent variables selected for this study. Multiple regression analysis further showed that community participation rate had a negative and significant effect on reducing the risk of environmental hazards in Gasabo District, Rwanda (β = -33.286, 0.004p). The monetary value of community engagement activities (Umuganda value) had a significant negative impact on reducing the risk of environmental hazards in Gasabo District, Rwanda (β = -2.566, 0.025p). Finally, the results of this study show that rainfall has a significant positive impact in reducing the risk of environmental hazards in Gasabo district, Rwanda (β = 39.274, 0.000p). Therefore, the study recommends the following measures: Relevant ministries, departments and agencies should focus on improving community engagement strategies to increase community participation in disaster risk reduction. Also encourage empowerment that increases the value of community engagement activities. To meet the challenges posed by seasonal rainfall, Rwanda's Gasabo District Management Office should take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of environmental disasters while ensuring emergency relief is in place. A detailed analysis should be carried out during a particular year and activities with clear results recorded for that year. They should then be carefully matched with qualified community members to be completed within a specified time period.

Key Words: community engagement, participation, vulnerability, environmental hazards, average monthly rainfall, environment-related disaster risk reduction, disaster risk


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