Abstract
Aim: One of the most crucial aspects of recovery and preparedness from natural disasters is that local citizens are the main actors. This study aims to clarify when and how partnerships between local citizens and supporting researchers were built toward recovery, reconstruction, and preparedness from natural disasters.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with researchers who had practical experience in supporting activities related to recovery and preparedness from natural disasters. A questionnaire was developed with reference to the seven core components of conducting community-based participatory research. The data were analyzed using the text mining software, KH Coder. First, the text data obtained through the quantitative analysis were reviewed, and then a qualitative analysis was conducted to verify the original data in light of the research objectives.
Results: Nine researchers participated in this study. By analyzing the relationship between the 13 codes along the axis of time, three phases were derived: (1) disaster relief initiation; (2) support continuation; and (3) relationship maintenance. The process of collaboration and cooperation between local citizens and researchers involves entering the field through organizations and institutions that are trusted by local citizens, listening to their voices through activities, and continuing to research common problems from the same perspective as the citizens. This relationship continued even after the research was completed.
Conclusion: Research during disaster recovery involves the integration of research and action, and researchers are required to adopt an ethical attitude that involves forming partnerships with citizens and conducting research.
