Actor-Network in Disaster Education: Mainstreaming the Role of Higher Education in Climate Resilience for Sustainable Development in Northern Thai School

Abstract

Frequently, global disasters occur due to human-induced activities, involving international society's role in attempting disaster risk reduction. This study aimed to examine the current state of Thai disaster education at the school level, which Japan supports, and analyze higher education's role in enhancing school-level disaster education through Bruno Latour's actor-network theory (ANT). A mixed-method approach was employed in this study. Quantitative data were gathered through questionnaire surveys involving 150 students aged 13 to 15 from mountainous regions.  The surveys focused on their knowledge, attitude, and disaster self-appraisal practices (KAP) in rapid-onset circumstances, using percentages and numerical values.  In contrast, the qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with five key informants and analyzed using content analysis. The students exhibited a high level of knowledge, while their attitude was assessed at the medium level, and their practical implementation was statistically low.  This reflects a significant emphasis on Thai disaster education in rapid-onset situations. Nevertheless, slow-onset disasters, particularly drought and clean water supply issues, have the most profound and adverse impacts. ANT highlights the inseparable relations between human and non-human actants, encompassing government, higher education, schools, technology, and knowledge engagement in climate resilience building. The study findings provide guidance for all stakeholders, including government, higher education institutions, and schools, to transition their training or education programs from a rapid-onset to a slow-onset approach. This involves promoting the collaboration between higher education and its external partners to develop water management education initiatives that cultivate lifelong learning skills and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3 Good Health and Well-being.