Community-based approaches in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation: an analysis of applied participatory processes

Community-based (CB) approaches for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) are increasingly recognised as beneficial for enhancing resilience to climate change. While the role of CB approaches in DRR and CCA has been widely researched, gaps remain regarding the specific circumstances, purpose and methods of community inclusion. Using an existing and adapted framework, this literature review screened thirty empirical studies in which participatory approaches were thoroughly analysed via a deductive content analysis. We analysed who is engaged, how, for what purpose, and how these dimensions were interconnected to the CB objectives. Findings reveal that participation was most common in the early stages of the DRR and CCA cycles, with localized actors playing key roles, though marginalized groups and women remained underrepresented. Participation occurred in diverse forms, reflecting its adaptability to local contexts rather than adherence to a fixed model. Far from being a one-fixed solution, participation emerged as both a strategic tool and a transformative process, shaping objectives while empowering communities through inclusive engagement, when developed appropriately.