1. North-West University: Potchefstroom Campus Knowledge management, research, information exchange, education, training and awareness – Essential tools for capacity building in disaster reduction Paper presented by: Dewald van Niekerk Director: African Centre for Disaster Studies School for Social and Government Studies North-West University Potchefstroom Campus

2. North-West University: Potchefstroom Campus Scope Current limitations; Research, training and education; Institutional capacity; Incorporating disaster reduction; Regional networks; and Awareness creation.

3. North-West University: Potchefstroom Campus Current limitations Lack of adequate knowledge on disaster reduction. Lack of, and limited regional information institutions. No coherent body of knowledge. Communicating disaster risk is inadequate. PPPs in knowledge management is limited.

4. North-West University: Potchefstroom Campus Research, training and education Clear research agenda. Enhancing and establishing regional training and educational offerings.

5. North-West University: Potchefstroom Campus Institutional capacity More regionaly focussed research and academic institutions needed. Implementing leap frog technologies. Standards in data collection and dissemination should be established.

6. North-West University: Potchefstroom Campus Incorporating disater reduction Enhance multi-sectoral, multi- disciplinary approach. Harnessing local and indigenous knowledge. Encourage cross-border information sharing.

7. North-West University: Potchefstroom Campus Regional networks Mechanisms for regional and inter- disciplinary cooperation must be established. PPPs Use of and learning from exisiting networks must be encouraged.

8. North-West University: Potchefstroom Campus Awareness creation Use of mass media. Innovative methods of awareness creation encouraged. Training and sensitasation of politicians and policy makers. Annual African awards for excellence in awareness creation.

9. North-West University: Potchefstroom Campus Conclusion Face of disaster risk has changed. A sound body of knowledge must be developed Africa needs concerted efforts and commitment in disaster reduction knowledge management.