In Ogba-Ojibo, a village in Nigeria facing annual flooding, 27-year-old Ako Prince Omali is among the subsistence farmers and fishermen grappling with the impacts of rising water levels. With his cropland submerged, Omali emphasizes the need for new strategies to address the recurring issue of flooding that devastates the region each year.
Nigeria, with the second-highest number of people vulnerable to flooding globally, has seen 470,000 people affected in Kogi State alone in 2022. As the floods continue to worsen, innovative programs are being introduced to help communities prepare in advance for disasters.
A new initiative by GiveDirectly involves providing cash payments to flood-prone communities before disasters strike, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) models to forecast flooding and trigger payments. This proactive approach aims to empower communities to stock up on essentials and prepare for the aftermath of floods, rather than relying solely on post-disaster aid.
With the flood season looming, GiveDirectly is working in Kogi State to identify at-risk areas, verify recipients, and release anticipatory cash payments to vulnerable individuals. The program, which has already benefited residents like Omali, offers hope for a more sustainable response to flooding that prioritizes community resilience and preparedness.
In a region where traditional aid has fallen short, the use of AI and preemptive measures marks a significant shift towards proactive disaster response. By combining technology with community engagement, organizations like GiveDirectly are paving the way for a more effective and sustainable approach to addressing the impacts of climate-induced disasters.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
