Aspects of Partnership Formation between Local Citizens and Researchers Who Implemented Support Activities Related to Recovery and Preparedness for Natural Disasters - Quantitative Text Analysis of Interviews with Researchers

Abstract

Aim: One of the most crucial aspects of recovery and preparedness from natural disasters is the involvement of local citizens. This study aims to elucidate the circumstances and processes by which partnerships between local citizens and supporting researchers were established for the purposes of recovery, reconstruction, and preparedness from natural disasters.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with researchers who had practical experience in supporting activities related to recovery and preparedness from natural disasters. The data were analyzed using quantitative text mining software, KH Coder, and elements that form a partnership between citizens and researchers were identified.

Results: Nine researchers, all affiliated with Japanese universities, participated in this study. By reading the relationship between the 13 codes along the axis of time, three phases were derived: A. Disaster relief initiation, B. Support continuation, and C. Relationship maintenance. The process of collaboration and cooperation between local citizens and researchers in recovery and preparedness from natural disasters involves entering the field through organizations and institutions that are trusted by local citizens, listening to their voices through activities, and continuing to research common problems from the same perspective as the citizens. This relationship continued even after the research was completed.

Conclusion: Citizen-centered research on natural disaster recovery and preparedness necessitates the integration of research and action. It is therefore an essential requirement for researchers to conduct research in partnership with citizens. In order to promote the research, it is essential that ethical attitudes, actions, and awareness are fostered.