This discussion paper explores how area-based approaches (ABAs) can contribute to national adaptation and responsiveness to disasters in Solomon Islands. People centred, geographically targeted, and multi-sectorial, ABAs provide a developmental approach to disaster response. Framed around the principles of ABAs, the project draws on international experience through the review of desktop literature relevant to Solomon Islands and exploratory stakeholder interviews to consider the suitability of ABAs to disaster response in Solomon Islands.