A Framework for Evaluating Household Earthquake Preparedness in Bukoba Municipality, Tanzania

Abstract

Globally, earthquake fatalities and destruction are escalating. In low to moderate earthquake zones, there is a lack of tools for determining earthquake preparedness levels to enhance risk reduction measures. This study developed a framework for assessing household earthquake preparedness in Bukoba Municipality, which lies in a low-to-moderate earthquake-prone zone. The study used a sequential exploratory mixed-methods research design to develop a contextual framework, consisting of parameters, indicators, and sub-indicators, for assessing earthquake preparedness levels in Bukoba. Two phases of data collection were employed. In the first phase, which aimed to develop an initial framework, data were gathered through documentary reviews, interviews, and focus group discussions. In the second phase, which intended to validate and weight the framework’s parameters, indicators and sub-indicators, data were collected via a questionnaire survey. Classical content analysis was employed to establish initial preparedness parameters, indicators, and sub-indicators, whereas descriptive statistics were used to validate and weight the parameters, indicators, and sub-indicators. The study developed five contextual parameters, 16 indicators, and 45 sub-indicators to evaluate household earthquake preparedness in Bukoba Municipality. Among the preparedness parameters, the residential building parameter had the highest weight, indicating it was the most significant to consider in preparing, whereas the personal support network had the lowest weight, making it the least important of the five. The study recommends that the municipality use the developed framework to assess and identify underperforming parameters, indicators, and sub-indicators. The framework as a mirror is useful to disaster management stakeholders in Bukoba for reflecting their disaster management activities, particularly by identifying underperforming parameters so that appropriate measures can be taken to reduce earthquake risks.