Leveraging Social Capital Development for Effective Disaster Risk management (DRM) in Southwest Nigeria.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16925276Keywords:
Climate change, Community resilience, Community participation, Disaster Risk Management, Social Capital TheoryAbstract
Climate change constitutes a substantial challenge to Nigeria's Sustainable Development Agenda due to high reliance on rain-fed agriculture. The study sought to investigate how public support can be utilised for disaster risk management (DRM) in Nigeria to enhance community resilience. The objective was to assess public awareness of DRM protocols, training levels, and support for DRM training projects, considering the potential implications of climate change-influenced disasters on national security in Nigeria. The study encompassed 500 adult residents from Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Akure cities in southwest Nigeria, selected using purposive sampling techniques. The study employed a 15-item questionnaire titled "Questionnaire on Leveraging Social Capital Development for Effective Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in Southwest Nigeria" for data collection. Data collected were collated, descriptively analysed and displayed using percentages, charts and tables. The study indicates a 52% male dominance in the DRM profession and a 92% burgeoning youth population, with 64% having been exposed to climate change disasters and 74% having frequent exposure to climate change disasters in their communities. The study identified that 36% of respondents with Disaster Risk Management (DRM) expertise are unaware of their city emergency protocols and have limited DRM training. The study highlights the need for improved community networks for information dissemination, coordination, and disaster support, emphasising trust and cooperation. The study suggests Nigeria enhance community education on climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, amend the NEMA Act to include emergency preparedness training, increase government-public partnership in disaster risk management, and establish community-based early warning systems.
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