Estrategias de preparación comunitaria y participativa en la comunidad de la parroquia Sayausi, cantón Cuenca

Abstract

Abstract: This research examined the implementation of community-based and participatory disaster preparedness strategies in the Sayausí parish, Cuenca canton, Ecuador. The study employed a mixed methodological approach with emphasis on qualitative methods, involving 90 participants selected through non-probabilistic criterion sampling, with a 10.3% margin of error and a 95% confidence level. The research revealed that 72.22% of the population was unaware of existing risk management strategies, and 77.78% had not previously participated in community preparedness activities. A comprehensive program was implemented, including training (90 hours distributed over four quarters), drills (23 hours of practical exercises), and the establishment of an early warning system with multiple communication channels. Results showed significant improvement in community response capacity, with 83.33% effectiveness in learning assessment and 94.44% participation in practical exercises. The program required a total investment of $45,000, strategically distributed across training components (33.33%), equipment (26.67%), drills (22.22%), and communication systems (17.78%). The research concluded that the participatory and integral approach to risk management significantly strengthened community resilience in rural Andean contexts.