DIP: 18.02.011/20251001 
DOI: 10.25215/2455/1001011 
Abstract
Disasters have adverse consequences for people and communities, often intensifying vulnerabilities, and inequalities. In response, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank came forward to recover the damaged infrastructure and communities with the goal of long-term “social resilience” and sustainable development. This research paper examines the social dimensions of disaster recovery projects such as land acquisition, social safeguards, and community engagement in MDB-funded disaster recovery programs. This study employs documentary analysis, a qualitative methodology to examined forementioned social dimensions and their role in effecting outcome of the disaster recovery projects. The research paper builds on review of relevant literature, and case studies to demonstrate that participatory development, post-disaster land management and compliance to the safeguard policies can improve the effectiveness of disaster recovery operations. Community participation helps in rebuilding not just the bricks and structures, but also in building trust among community members and implementing agencies in the post-disaster rehabilitation process. However, the study also highlighted challenges when it comes to acquisition of land, implementing social safeguards and ensuring that the community is truly involved. Power disparities, lack of trust between communities and organizations, are some of the challenges that have the potential of creating barriers to the effective teamwork and in turn disaster recovery efforts.
The author(s) appreciates all those who participated in the study and helped to facilitate the research process. 
The author(s) declared no conflict of interest. 
ISSN 2348-5396