Rachel Salloway, Bates College
“Climate and Development: An Exploration of Disaster Management in Northern and Eastern Uganda”
Bio: Rachel will graduate from Bates College with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, International Relations in May. For the Human Development Conference, she will present her research on disaster management in response to the floods and landslides of northern and eastern Uganda in fall 2007. Proudly from the Ocean State, Rachel enjoys the community atmosphere of Rhode Island and was able to experience a similar energy in Uganda. She is interested in the connection between economic disparities and access to adequate healthcare and hopes to pursue a future career in international public health. In the meantime, Rachel likes to dance, hike, travel and explore the unknowns of her own community.
Abstract: Through the participation in the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) activities, this study investigates the process of disaster management in northern and eastern Uganda. It focuses on the 2007 landslides of the Mbale district and floods in the Teso region. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of disaster response in these cases and explore the particular mechanisms enabled to combat the health and economic challenges associated with these disasters. The final component of this study requires an examination of the impact of these disasters on preparations for the future. The research attempts to draw conclusions on the relationship between disasters and response in communities who are struggling to develop in the absence of an emergency situation.
