Women, Development, and Flooding Disaster Research in Nigeria: A Scoping Review

Abstract

The growing threat of disasters caused by climate change, of which flooding is the most prevalent has led to a call for a change in the design of, and roll-out of disaster mitigation and response policies. A more inclusive approach to Disaster Risk Reduction has been advocated with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction calling for the involvement of women and marginalized groups for more effectiveness and efficiency. The rapidly urbanizing countries of sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable to the threats and impacts of disasters, including flooding, and women in these countries are differentially vulnerable and marginalized. In response to the call for the inclusion of women in disaster risk management, this scoping review seeks to understand to what extent Nigerian women have been engaged or included in urban flooding research. This review finds that very little research has been conducted on gender and flooding. In addition, 85% of the papers reviewed focus on rural women, while the prevalence and rising threats of flooding in urban areas are given little attention. As urban centers throughout the region are becoming more feminized, a better understanding of urban women’s experiences with flooding will help ensure a more inclusive and effective disaster response.