Preparedness for recurrent drought disaster: insights from the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon

ABSTRACT

This study examined the drought preparedness of drought-prone communities in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. The study employed a mixed-method approach, using qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, including interviews, household surveys, focus group discussions, and field observations. The data were then analysed using SPSS for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. The results reveal that the respondents primarily rely on their personal and community abilities to prepare for droughts. A significant proportion (χ²= 11.676, P = 0.020) of the respondents depend on community leaders for drought information, while others rely on family and friends. They also use indigenous knowledge and construct boreholes/wells to prepare for droughts. However, limited government support, inadequate extension/scientific support services, and insufficient formal training limited drought preparedness. Age, household size, and income significantly influenced perceived preparedness for drought. Based on the findings, the study concludes that informal/locally-driven strategies are important in drought preparedness and should be strengthened. The study recommends the establishment of drought management committees at the grassroots level and the effective use of indigenous knowledge in combination with scientific knowledge for drought planning and adaptation. Given the geographical variation in climatic stressors, a focus on a specific event such as drought has enhanced the understanding of drought disaster preparedness at the community level for effective planning and policy interventions. This study contributes to the literature in the disaster preparedness discipline with a lens on community drought preparedness.

KEYWORDS:

• Drought preparedness
• climate change preparedness
• indigenous knowledge
• climatic disasters
• northern Cameroon

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for granting a study scholarship to the first author. Special thanks to Prof Lambi Cornelius and Dr. Bang Henry for their valuable inputs. We extend profound gratitude to all research assistants and study participants for their contributions to the realisation of this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data supporting this study's findings are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author