Abstract

Adaptive capacity and community resilience are central elements for preparedness, response and recovery as part of disaster risk processes, both of which are relevant in disaster risk management programs and for reduction of vulnerability to climate change. In Latin America and the Caribbean, which is highly vulnerable to disasters, there is a research gap regarding the academic use of both elements mentioned above. Our objective is to analyze the theoretical-methodological characteristics of adaptive capacity and community resilience to socio-natural disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean. We conducted a systematic literature review (using PRISMA approach) of 50 scientific articles selected from the Web of Science, Scopus, and SciELO databases. As a first result, we identified a predominance of research on extreme events such as earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis. Secondly, the dimensions of political, economic, social, and environmental vulnerability are identified as the main barriers. Finally, we identified risk perception, citizen participation, and social learning as the main enhancer components. For discussion purposes, although both notions are widely used in the field, it is necessary to specify their scope, forms of evaluation, and practical application.