Triple Nexus of Disaster Risk Management Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Households in Fogera Woreda

Abstract

The growing impact of disasters contrasts with advances in disaster risk reduction and management, highlighting persistent challenges in translating knowledge into action in Ethiopia. This reflects a gap that requires empirical research to explore factors influencing risk management practices and to suggest actionable explanations. This study assessed households’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to disaster risk management in Fogera woreda, Ethiopia, and analyzed factors influencing these dimensions. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 144 purposively sampled households across three Kebeles and employed descriptive and inferential statistics analysis.

Results showed that 67% of households lacked basic disaster risk reduction and management knowledge. While 53% had constructive attitudes, only 28% engaged in risk management activities, with disaster preparedness being particularly inadequate. Seven key factors influenced household knowledge, attitude and practices. Significant differences in knowledge were found across age groups (p=0.03), kebeles (p=0.02), and economic status (p=0.007). Attitudes varied by age (p=0.004) and location (p=0.007), and practices differed by kebele (p=0.05).

Households in rural and disaster prevalent locations have low risk awareness, attitudes and risk management practices. These findings underscore the need for stakeholders, government agencies and academia to develop strategies that enhance households’ knowledge of risk interpretation and active participation with a focus on rural and disaster affected areas. These efforts should aim not only providing foundational knowledge but also on implementing effective, long-term strategies that go beyond traditional training programs. Future studies are very important to explore beyond the seven factors and involve diversified research target groups. 

Keywords: Disaster Risk Reduction and Management; Disaster Knowledge; Disaster Attitude; Disaster Practice