Poverty, vulnerability and disasters are linked - it is most often the poorest that are worst affected and suffer most. Their poverty makes them more vulnerable. Their capacity to cope with disasters and recover from the effects are constrained by their lack of resources.

But if those people are sufficiently prepared, and have the capacity to cope and recover quickly, droughts, floods and even earthquakes need not be a disaster.

Disaster Risk Reduction is increasingly important because climate change is expected to result in more frequent and severe hazards. It is also expected to increase people's vulnerability, resulting in even more disasters. Rather than focus on relief measures, Practical Action is working with communities to enable them to prepare for, cope with and adapt to future hazards by building stronger livelihoods, disaster risk management and increasing food security.