This working paper synthesises the findings
of Phase 1 of a ProVention study on 'Measuring
Mitigation: Methodologies for assessing natural hazard risks and the net
benefits of mitigation' (Benson
and Twigg 2004).
The study shows that many of the standard
tools used in designing development projects can be used or readily adapted
to assess risks from natural hazards and the potential benefits of mitigation
options. However at present, hazards and related vulnerability are
rarely considered in designing and appraising development projects, even
in high-risk areas. Another key finding is that monitoring and evaluation
is still relatively neglected in disaster reduction work.
The report makes a number of recommendations
to practitioners and policy makers that will help them to improve their
approach to appraisal and evaluation.