Building Back Better

The devastating impact of disasters on the world's population is on the increase, influenced by climate change, urbanization, and persistent high levels of poverty, among other factors. There is a growing demand for reconstruction at scale. This book asks whether large-scale reconstruction can be participatory and developmental; can rebuilding be truly people-centered, contributing to breaking the cycle of poverty and dependence? Can reconstruction reduce people's vulnerability to disasters and other shocks? Building Back Betterexamines the context for reconstruction, and shows how developments in the fields of housing, participation and livelihoods have changed and enriched approaches to reconstruction. It goes on to explore the practice of implementing large-scale reconstruction through in-depth case studies of recent programs in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Indonesia and India. Finally, an analysis of selected projects in six additional countries over a longer period of time adds other relevant issues to people-centered reconstruction at scale. The book intends to inform policy, program design, practice and evaluation. It will be of interest to agencies regularly involved in reconstruction, to consultants and specialists involved, to aid agencies, to the authorities in countries regularly faced with disasters, as well as to students, academics and researchers.

Michal Lyons is Professor of Urban Development and Policy at London South Bank University. Theo Schilderman is Head, Access to Infrastructure Services Programme, Practical Action.