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Natural Disasters and Rehabilitation: Post‐Disaster Aid, Corruption, Misallocation, and Mistargeting

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  • Muhammad Irshad Ahmad
  • Qiong Shen
  • Muhammad Waseem Boota
  • Ruifeng Liu
  • Hengyun Ma

Abstract

The increasing frequency of natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, and tsunamis, has made vulnerable communities less resilient, pushing them toward long‐term poverty and food insecurity. Effective post‐disaster rehabilitation is critical to restoring livelihoods, infrastructure, and food security. However, challenges such as corruption, misallocation, and mistargeting undermine post‐disaster aid programs. This study systematically reviews 86 peer‐reviewed articles (1990–2023) using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) protocol to investigate aid inefficiencies in disaster recovery. The findings reveal that aid often fails to reach the most affected communities, being diverted to unaffected areas due to political influence and local elites, exacerbating inequalities. Corruption further hampers institutional performance and long‐term disaster resilience efforts. The study calls for transparent, accountable, and inclusive strategies for aid distribution, aligning with SDG 10 (reduced inequalities) and SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities). Future research should focus on gender‐sensitive strategies, local governance, and technological innovations to enhance aid transparency and effectiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Irshad Ahmad & Qiong Shen & Muhammad Waseem Boota & Ruifeng Liu & Hengyun Ma, 2026. "Natural Disasters and Rehabilitation: Post‐Disaster Aid, Corruption, Misallocation, and Mistargeting," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(S1), pages 893-914, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:34:y:2026:i:s1:p:893-914
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.70225
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