Abstract

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies are critical for formalizing effective disaster risk reduction. The overall objective of this study was to assess the progress the Africa Union member states are making in developing DRR strategies as required by Target E of the Sendai Framework. The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches where in-depth desk review of DRR strategies and online questionnaires were administered to 53 respondents. The findings show about 68% of the AU member states have national strategies and 35% have sub-national strategies but generally, there is sluggish progress in updating DRR strategies in accordance with Sendai Framework Target E. Weak technical and institutional capacities, inadequate funds, limited decentralization of DRR and poor governance are key challenges hampering their implementation. Governments in Africa and partners should pay immediate attention to accelerate the development of risk-informed strategies to achieve the aspirations of the Sendai Framework.

Highlights

  • Africa countries face a myriad of development challenges from poverty and environmental degradation to rapid population growth and urbanization that they are struggling to surmount though development planning

  • The main focus was a sample of 18 countries who are member states of the AU who have committed to submit period progress reports on the development and implementation of Disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies and measures in order to meet the goal of achieving Tart E of Sendai Framework

  • The DRR strategies are intended to deliver on monitoring the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) where Target E1 is contributing to SDG Goal 1 Target 1.5; Goal 11 Target

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Summary

Introduction

Africa countries face a myriad of development challenges from poverty and environmental degradation to rapid population growth and urbanization that they are struggling to surmount though development planning. These development challenges interact with natural and human induced hazards to create disaster risks which have potential cascading impacts across the continent (Fraser et al, 2017). Building societal resilience to prevent losses and damages to assets and livelihoods from disasters is a major concern of the disaster risk reduction strategies and plans. Framework stated as a goal is to ‘substantial reduction in disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities and countries’.

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