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What Constitutes a Successful Livelihood Recovery: A Comparative Analysis Between China and New Zealand

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: As damage from natural hazards has increased globally, governments and aid agencies must have practical tools for post-disaster livelihood recovery to foster self-sufficiency among affected populations. This study presents a framework of essential components for livelihood recovery, utilising a comparative case study with interviews from communities impacted by major earthquakes in Lushan, China, and Christchurch and Kaikōura, New Zealand. Communities in both countries highly value housing, employment, well-being, and external assistance for livelihood recovery after disasters. However, people in China credit housing functionality and income resources more, while New Zealand people rely more on commercial insurance for their recovery. The insights from this comparative study can help governments and non-governmental organisations strengthen livelihood recovery efforts and enhance resilience to future disasters.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17073186

Author: Gujun Pu

Institution: South China University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Earthquake and Disaster Impact Studies

Subfield: Transportation

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: No poverty, Decent work and economic growth, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896