Building Back Better: The Large-Scale Impact of Small-Scale Approaches to Reconstruction

SummaryPost-disaster reconstruction often fails in its stated objectives. These failures may be traced to the centralizing approaches generally taken to reconstruction, which are encouraged by the political economy of post-disaster situations. Approaching the reconstruction undertaken after natural disasters as an opportunity for development, this paper analyzes the successes, failures, and processes of two main housing reconstruction policies adopted in post-Tsunami Sri Lanka. Findings are that developmental reconstruction is achievable. The potential for large-scale application of small-scale policies is discussed.