Identifying factors influencing housing safety in post-earthquake reconstruction by households in Nepal

Reconstructing safer houses after disasters is essential for the resilience of vulnerable communities, but its dependence on household decision-making is underexplored. This study aims to identify which decision-making factors significantly contribute to housing safety after reconstruction to inform the design of effective reconstruction assistance. The study uses two types of linear regression analysis, with individual and composite variables, to assess the influence of household decision-making factors on the seismic resistance of rebuilt houses. Data was collected using a survey among 449 households and a structural assessment of their houses in 17 communities in Okhaldhunga district, three years after the 2015 Gorkha earthquakes in Nepal. Thematic analysis of the identified significant factors shows that: 1) access to construction resources such as masons or labourers and materials influences housing safety, 2) some types of construction knowledge foster, others hinder housing safety, 3) conditional financial resources are beneficial while financial limitations restricted safety, 4) households depending on business as a livelihood limits safety measures, 5) intrinsic motivation has a positive impact whereas extrinsic motivations reduce safety, 6) access to reconstruction assistance needs to be timely and practical. Identification of the main barriers and drivers is crucial for redesigning reconstruction assistance. This study calls for creating good opportunities to access professional knowledge and affordable materials. The study stresses the need for conditional financial resources, stimulation of intrinsic motivation, and special attention to business owners. Although this study has identified pathways toward safer housing, this does not guarantee long-term safety, satisfaction, or resilience.