How might we integrate modern/technological and traditional/indigenous approaches to Disaster Risk Resilience to promote holistic and adaptable climate resilience for agro-pastoral communities?

  • Sarayu
  • Afghanistan
  • International Rescue Committee
  • February 1, 2026

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Situation

In Afghanistan—one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable and least prepared countries—disaster risk reduction (DRR) remains limited or ineffective. Weak institutions, low technical capacity, fragmented coordination, and chronic underfunding constrain national systems. For agro-pastoral communities, DRR is often absent or poorly implemented, sometimes worsening risks. Fragile and conflict-affected settings further restrict global financing, leaving the most vulnerable without support.

Assignment

The consultant was commissioned to develop three to five paper-based DRR prototypes integrating indigenous knowledge with modern technology. These prototypes will support future usability and desirability testing with agro-pastoralist communities. Collaboration with the IRC’s Airbel User-Centered Design Advisor and Climate Advisor ensured alignment with strategic DRR goals.

Approach

Desk research included literature review, stakeholder interviews, and root-cause analysis to surface system barriers and contextual insights. A system map positioned brainstormed ideas within standard DRR phases, revealing interdependencies and critical knowledge gaps. Together with the technical team, questions were prioritised to guide prototyping. Five prototype concepts were then developed, alongside a testing protocol and follow-up questions to evaluate system-level and idea-level performance.

Result

The resulting prototyping framework establishes a structured pathway to assess technical viability, financial feasibility, and stakeholder desirability—setting the foundation for community-based field testing in the next project phase.