Natural Disasters: The Environment, Development and Management Nexus

This book examines the impact of natural disasters on development through a study of the role and functions of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) in Ghana. Such a study has become necessary because currently natural disasters have gained international attention due to its impact on economic development. A key reflection on the causes, effects and vulnerability of individuals to natural disasters shows an interesting linkage between environmental, developmental and managerial failures. For instance, it has been continually emphasized that natural disasters are failures of development because economic development policies have not fully given consideration to disaster possibilities. A key argument of this study is that an over emphasis on the traditional methods of disaster management, namely relief and rescue responses, by NADMO reduces local capacities to manage effectively the challenge that current disasters present. This book has the additional value of assisting graduate students of social research as it attempts an explanation of epistemology and ontology in relation to disasters. It is highly recommended for students during field research work on disasters.