Sendai framework for disaster risk management: practices and challenges against the targets in Ethiopia

Owing to its diverse geo-climatic and socio-economic conditions, Ethiopia is highly prone to a wide range of simultaneous natural and human-induced hazards. To address this issue, the country developed different legislative frameworks for disaster management and showed its commitment to the Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction. Thus, the main objective of this study is to review the practices intended to realize the outcomes, goals, targets, and challenges of the Sendai framework for disaster risk management. Primary and secondary data sources were consulted to achieve the stated objective. Primary data were collected through key informant interviews and focus-group discussions. Purposive sampling was used to select the study participants. Employing a qualitative analytical approach, it was found that Ethiopia is trying its best to align its national disaster risk management policies and strategies with the Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction. Moreover, the country is undertaking activities intended to address disaster risks. However, despite much effort, much remains to be done to achieve the outcomes and goals of the Sendai framework. This study identified many significant challenges that undermine effective disaster risk reduction measures in Ethiopia. To overcome these challenges, Ethiopia must prioritize disaster risk reduction efforts and invest in building resilience at all levels to ensure the realization of the Sendai framework’s intent.