Community flood preparedness in a collectivist cultural context: lessons from Ibadan, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study explores community flood preparedness in Ibadan, Nigeria. The qualitative method was adopted, and key informant interviews with community leaders in selected flood-prone communities were undertaken. Findings indicate that communities are not adequately prepared for floods, but cooperation associated with collectivism help flood victims cope with floods. Pervasive negative outcome expectancy and trust in flood structural protection measures are significant influences on communities’ poor flood preparedness. While assistance associated with collectivism has been helpful, it will not suffice in the event of mega-floods. These underline the urgency of taking early action to strengthen the Ibadan communities’ resilience to flood risks.

KEYWORDS:

• Community
• flood preparedness
• collectivism
• Ibadan
• Nigeria

Disclosure statement

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