Community–Based Disaster Risk Reduction: Evaluating the effectiveness of participatory approaches in Nigerian Community

Abstract

This research assesses the performance of community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR) using participatory methods in Nigerian communities. A multi-phase approach was used consisting of household survey, focus group discussion, and simulation drills in flood- and drought-prone areas. Change in awareness level, level of preparedness, and collective response capacity before and after participatory interventions were analysed. The study indicate that communities that participated in participatory mapping, early warning dissemination, and joint contingency planning increased in preparedness indicators by 42% relative to control groups. In addition, simulation exercises confirmed that communities with active CBDRR were more coordinated with improved evacuation times. These findings not only validate participatory approaches as local resilience-building mechanisms, but also reduced external intervention in case of disaster shocks. The study re-emphasises the need to include bottom-up strategies in the disaster management framework in Nigeria as a sustainable means for effective risk reduction.

Keywords: Participatory mapping, Collective resilience, Grassroots engagement, Preparedness indicators