Networking in action: Taking collaborative capacity development seriously for disaster risk management

This study investigates the role of multi-stakeholder networks in disaster risk management (DRM) capacity development, aligning with the principles of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. While the Framework emphasises collaboration, coordination, and partnerships among diverse stakeholders, there remains a gap in understanding how these networks foster collaborative capacity and contribute to sustainable DRM efforts. Employing a mixed methods case study approach, this research explores capacity development outcomes and early signs of sustainability in three informal networks in Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines, one year after the cessation of formal external support from Sweden. By applying the integrated complex adaptive systems and network governance lens, this study offers a nuanced understanding of the dynamic interplay between various stakeholders and systemic factors influencing network effectiveness and sustainability. The findings enhance our knowledge about the functioning of multi-stakeholder networks in DRM and provide practical insights for optimising institutional designs in collaborative DRM capacity development projects. The research underscores the importance of scalability, adaptability, and holistic approaches in fostering effective and sustainable collaborative capacity development. Implications for implementing the Sendai Framework are discussed.