Analyzing the Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the Rehabilitation and Sustainability of Earthquake-Stricken Areas in Kermanshah Province

Earthquake is a kind of natural crises that has caused a lot of damage to the affected communities in different dimensions throughout history. In this regard, NGOs, along with governmental organizations, can play an effective role in minimizing these harms and achieving maximum recovery and sustainability of these communities, if are planned properly. The main purpose of this research is to analyze of the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the rehabilitation and sustainability of earthquake-stricken areas in Kermanshah province. This research has applied a qualitative approach and directional content analysis method. The study population of this research is the NGOs active in the earthquake affected areas of Kermanshah province. The purposive sampling (a kind of snowball) has been used to select interviewees. Sampling continued to reach the theoretical saturation. In this study, theoretical saturation is obtained by reviewing 23 samples from the study population. Data collection is carried out through interviewing, observing and taking field observations, examining documents and often a combination of these methods. The findings reveal that the major activities of the NGOs in the areas of the earthquake include Needs Assessment and Information, Collecting and Distributing Goods, Providing Medical Services, Providing Psychological Advice, Providing Services to Children, Providing Services to Women, Providing Residential Services, Providing Health Services, Providing Environmental Services, Providing Social Services and Providing continuing education services. The results indicate that NGOs have played a significant role in rehabilitation and sustainability of earthquake-stricken areas, and with the right planning and policy, the maximum participation of active NGOs can be used as powerful arms in the reconstruction and sustainability of affected areas in future crises. Finally, some suggestions are provided based on the findings.