Research methods challenges: A case study of preparedness in The Bahamas

TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges of collecting data on disaster preparedness in The Bahamas and highlights the need for better methods and funding.

Contribution

The paper presents a case study on methodological challenges in disaster preparedness research in The Bahamas.

Findings

Researchers faced barriers in collecting representative data due to incomplete sampling frames and inadequate infrastructure.

The study highlights the need for methodological innovation and enhanced funding for disaster research in developing nations.

Abstract

Disaster research is essential for developing more robust and contextualised policies. It is, therefore, no surprise that multilateral organisations like the United Nations and the World Bank have called for enhanced disaster-related frameworks, legislation and policies in developing countries using quality data. However, internal and external researchers and practitioners often face significant challenges collecting data in these nations because of a range of problems including, but not limited to, incomplete sampling frames, inadequate infrastructure or unstable governments. This reality leads one to question: is the cart coming before the horse? This study explored individual and household (IH) preparedness in The Bahamas – a small island developing state in the Caribbean. An online survey was used, and 629 Bahamians opted to participate. However, the researchers faced many barriers to collecting representative data. This case study, therefore, discusses the range of methodological challenges faced by the researchers and their impact on this study.

This article substantially contributes to the disaster literature by exploring the challenges associated with conducting IH preparedness research in The Bahamas. This article also reminds practitioners and academics of the issues associated with collecting data in developing nations and its implications for policy enhancement and development. Furthermore, the authors present various recommendations ranging from enhanced funding to recognising the need for methodological innovation to support continuous research in countries like The Bahamas.

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