CONCLUSION ONE

Threats are complex and there is rarely a simple solution to each one. Non-structural prevention measures are essential but they’re often overlooked: a wide range of solutions are needed to address the threats communities face – but integrated planning is not the norm.

What do local people say can most reduce the impact of floods?

1. Limited early warning systems
2. Personal debt
3. Government instability

The world’s most marginalised people say that a wide range of solutions are needed to address each particular threat. This is particularly the case with floods which, according to our data is the most common threat communities face. Floods impact every aspect of their lives. Damage to crops, buildings, livelihoods and health are the most severe consequences that people report.

It’s surprising to see just how important people think coordination between NGOs and governments can be in reducing the impact of floods. This highlights the critical role that non-structural measures can play in protecting people.

Communities say maintaining access to education and healthcare is particularly important. And they’re concerned that debt is hampering efforts to reduce the impact of floods.

The complexity of threats such as floods and the integrated planning required to build resilience is often overlooked by international programmes. Many tend to focus on a single approach to disaster prevention rather than a multi-sector one.

For example, the Eko Atlantic project in Lagos, Nigeria is a development project being built on land dredged up from the ocean floor². To protect the Eko Atlantic city from storm surges, the developers are building a sea wall. However, there are concerns that this wall could exacerbate the flood risk for neighbouring areas, which includes most of Lagos.

A full package of complementary actions are needed to effectively reduce flood risk, especially when compounded by the vulnerabilities created by other disasters, such as the Covid-19 pandemic. But a deep analysis of the causes of floods rarely occurs at the national level. Some research groups are employing more holistic approaches, for example the Flood Resilience Alliance, and the learnings from these need to be scaled out.

All Views from the Frontline data is publicly available to explore online – with options to disaggregate by country, respondent type and more. You can also find out about the survey methodology.