Participatory vulnerability analysis

Participatory Vulnerability Analysis (PVA) is a tool developed by ActionAid which involves communities, local authorities and other stakeholders in an in-depth examination of what makes them vulnerable.

PVA is essential to our work on emergencies and conflict. The impact a disaster has on the people affected will depend on how vulnerable they are. By identifying the causes of their vulnerability, communities can set up their own means of coping with the disaster which will lessen the effects of hazards such as a drought, an earthquake or a hurricane.

PVA as an integral part of disaster preparedness in Guatemala
As part of ActionAid’s emergency response to hurricane Stan, a workshop on PVA was carried out with local communities and authorities in the affected areas. Through analysing their own vulnerability with the help of PVA, the communities affected by the hurricane were able to understand what makes them vulnerable to disasters and start the first steps to preparedness for future hurricanes.

As a direct result of the PVA workshop, contingency plans to deal with future hazards are being developed at the community level. These community-based plans will allow the people in the district of Tacaná to be better prepared for future emergencies and to ensure that disaster preparedness measures are incorporated in the municipal development plan for future years.

photo : ©CONIC/ ActionAid