Integrated Participatory Methodologies for Disaster Risk Reduction: Tools to Analyze Complex Systems Through Participatory Processes in Brazil

A crucial element for risk governance and disaster risk reduction in recognized international frameworks involves inclusiveness of stakeholders. Due to the dimensions of risk governance processes in Brazil, the complexity of the institutional arrangements in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and the dynamicity of the local context, a combination of different local and regional participatory methods is necessary to evaluate the participation and community-based disaster risk management that promotes it. This study describes five main participation processes applied in water-related risk areas of Nova Friburgo, Sao Fidelis, and Rio de Janeiro municipalities and implements it through combined participation methods. Exemplified focus groups and participatory workshops are described, both combining five methods: the required planning and organization, adaptation for rural and peri-urban areas, tools for an effective participatory mapping and a network analysis, digitalization of participatory maps, etc. The influences, advantages, disadvantages, and inputs of the different methodologies are analyzed and compared. Combining methods requires time, resources, and constant work; nevertheless, it helps all stakeholders understand complex systems and actively participate in decision-making. For various levels of participation, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods allows more interaction between stakeholders and different perspectives for deeper evaluation of participation and related aspects.