Nutrition and disaster preparedness: focusing on vulnerability, building capacities

Many disasters that occur throughout the world remain largely under-reported, frequently because they began a number of years ago, and have become "chronic" or "long term." Yet, in their vulnerability, the affected populations are no less deserving of humanitarian aid than those involved in the more acute, sudden disasters that make a major impact in the media. Aid providers need to direct their efforts at enabling populations to build their capacity and decrease their vulnerability, thus enhancing their preparedness for any future disaster. This article considers the importance of paying careful regard to the vulnerability, capacities, and disaster preparedness of people affected by these long-term disasters. Vulnerability, capacity, and disaster preparedness are examined specifically in the context of food shortages and malnutrition, with particular reference to the long-term disaster in the African country of Kenya.