In the village of Ogba-Ojibo in Nigeria, flooding is a common occurrence that affects the livelihoods of villagers who rely on subsistence farming and fishing. With the Niger River being the third-longest in Africa, the floodwaters can cause significant damage to crops and homes, displacing many residents. In 2022 alone, 470,000 people were impacted by flooding in Kogi State, with more displacement expected in the future due to rising water levels and climate change. Aid agencies have traditionally provided emergency supplies, but new innovative programs are emerging to help communities prepare for floods in advance.
One such program introduced in Ogba-Ojibo is being carried out by GiveDirectly, a US nonprofit organization that provides cash payments to people in flood-prone areas before disaster strikes. This approach allows residents to stock up on household goods and prepare for the aftershock of floods, unlike traditional aid programs that focus on providing essential items after the fact. The program also incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) tools to improve prediction of flooding events and help communities like Ogba-Ojibo better prepare for disasters.
Flooding in Nigeria is expected to intensify due to climate change, leading to more frequent and severe flooding events in the coming years. By investing in anticipatory actions, such as providing cash aid before disasters occur, organizations like GiveDirectly aim to mitigate the impacts of flooding and support vulnerable communities. The use of AI models allows for more accurate prediction of flood-prone areas and faster response times, helping to save lives and prevent extensive damage to homes and crops.
In Kogi State, where flooding is a recurring issue, GiveDirectly’s project targets the most at-risk areas and provides cash assistance to households before the floods hit. Using AI models to forecast floods, the program triggers payments to recipients when flood thresholds are crossed, enabling them to prepare for the disaster ahead of time. By providing financial support to vulnerable communities, GiveDirectly aims to alleviate the immediate impacts of flooding and help residents recover more quickly after the waters recede.
For residents like Ako Prince Omali in Ogba-Ojibo, receiving cash aid before the floods arrive has made a significant difference in their ability to prepare and recover from disaster. By using the money to buy essential supplies and make repairs to their homes, residents can withstand the effects of flooding and stay in their communities instead of relocating. Despite the challenges posed by flooding, residents are determined to rebuild and continue farming the land that they consider an integral part of their identity and livelihood. Through innovative programs and the support of organizations like GiveDirectly, communities in flood-prone areas can better cope with the impacts of climate change and build resilience for the future.