ORGANIZATIONAL PERSPECTIVE FOCUS AFGHANISTAN

FOCUS implements disaster risk mitigation and preparedness programs in vulnerable communities. It also extends humanitarian relief and recovery following natural or man-made disasters. It seeks to reduce dependence on humanitarian aid and facilitate the transition to self-reliant and sustainable development.

Vision Vulnerable communities, regardless of ethnicity and sex, are protected, safe and resilient from natural and man-made disasters

FOCUS Afghanistan Key Historical Milestones YearMilestone 1996FOCUS begins operation in Afghanistan 2002Facilitated establishment of other AKDN agencies in Afghanistan 2008Started DRR in Afghanistan 2013Journey of discovery continues... working to sustain gains and enhance resilience

Target Areas

Challenges Remote geography & lack of access Disaster- proneness Security concerns Lack of resources (human, natural, physical, financial) Chronic underdevelopment & persistent food insecurity High expectation of people and Government organizations

Approach and Principles  Multi level (community, district, provincial and national)  Inclusive (emphasis on gender equity, integration of disability and marginalized groups)  In-line with humanitarian principles (Spheres, Right based, Do-no harm)  Promoting community ownership (develop, nurture, train, handover and exit)  Sustainability (self-reliance, enhancing existing capacity, contextually appropriate)

FOCUS’ DRR Strategy Build capacity of government & civil society to reinforce and sustain community resilience -Emergency response management (training and systems building) -Mainstreaming DRR -Social & environmental protection mechanisms Build resilience within communities to help themselves -Risk assessments & mapping -awareness-raising & training -Emergency preparedness planning -Early warning systems -Mitigation projects

RESILIENT AFGHAN COMMUNITIES DISASTER RISK REDUCTION Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Baseline Hazard Vulnerability Assessment Integrated Sustainable Development Hyogo Framework for Action Afghanistan National Disaster Management Plan Community Based DRR Approach

Community Based Disaster Risk Management  Hazard, Vulnerability, Risk Assessment (HVRA)  Village Disaster Management Plans (VDMP)  Hazard Risk Maps  Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs)  Awareness Raising  Early Warning Systems  Mitigation measures

Community Participation Community Development Councils (CDCs) involved in planning & implementation Participatory Risk Assessments Community Mapping Volunteer CERTs, mandated under CDC Locally designed & owned mitigation projects

Gender Considerations Gender-balancing of CERTs Specific training for staff on engaging with women Special consideration for female-headed households in VDMPs

Community DRR reduces vulnerability and promotes village development……..

Case Study 1 Nichum landslide mitigation: hydro isolation of water channel results in landslide mitigation and improved agriculture productivity Measures taken: –Geological Assessment –Relocating the at-risk houses –Hydro isolation of 200m water channel above the hill

Case Study 2 Community-led access project in Sangi Tanab in Tala Barfak district of Baghlan province: Reduced community vulnerability Access to market & ability to transport livestock Access in the event of emergency Enabled utilization of essential services e.g. maternal health Training of community on Water Search & Rescue is saving lives Bridge built by community members to cross the river A boat was provided to the community, which they maintain themselves

….reinforced by sector-specific initiatives………

School Safety In collaboration with education authorities, teachers, parents, students……. School Emergency Response Teams(SERT) School Emergency Response Plans Awareness raising (Quizzes, competitions, theatre shows etc.)

School Safety (cont) Retrofitting of Schools BEFORE DURING

Retrofitting of Schools AFTER

Health Facilities in Emergencies In collaboration with provincial governments, hospital management, emergency services…. Mass Causality Management Capacity Assessment Trainings Systems development Development of Hospital Emergency Manage- ment plan (HEPP)

Provincial Level Activities Member of PDMC Provincial workshops and trainings for: ANDMA Hospital Civil Society Other relevant government and non government organizations SART team

National level activities Working closely and actively with all relevant governmental and non- governmental organizations: ANDMA MRRD MoPH MoE Holding workshops, seminars and trainings:

Conti…… Member of Food Security and Agriculture Cluster (founding member of DRR sub-working group) Member of various humanitarian coordination groups at national and provincial levels Collaboration with AKDN agencies and other NGOs

National Workshop on Mainstreaming DRR

National Workshop on Mainstreaming DRR (cont) Purpose: To engage in a constructive dialogue as to how DRR can be incorporated into policies and programs across all sectors and become a fully integrated component within development initiatives.

National Workshop on Mainstreaming DRR (cont) Outcome: Recommendations were developed and presented as a declaration to the 2 nd Vice President, demonstrating consensus & commitment towards mainstreaming DRR in Afghanistan.

Creating and nurturing an “enabling environment” Capacity Building –Emergency and disaster management (national & provincial level) –Disaster Assessment & Response Teams at district level –Search And Rescue Teams (1 st ever advanced SAR team created) –Developing “Systems” e.g. ICS –Mason training in risk-resistant construction

Creating and nurturing an “enabling environment” –Advocacy National workshop on Mainstreaming DRR Sensitization of CDCs, district governments & provincial governments DRR Day - FOCUS represented NGO community Media awareness raising workshop Engage in policy dialogue with line ministries

...To build resilient communities across Afghanistan

FOCUS’ DRR Journey Protection & reduced risk for Communities Sectoral initiatives to integrate DRR DRR a national priority issue

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