Enhancing community resilience to frequent flooding in resource-constrained settings: Empirical insights from flood risk communication and preparedness in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The ongoing repercussions of recurrent flooding on the lives and livelihoods of communities in flood-prone regions of Africa have entrenched these populations in a detrimental cycle of devastation and poverty. Despite the increased frequency of flooding in Africa, community-level resilience remains understudied. This study explores how risk communication and preparedness shape resilience in Yenagoa, Nigeria, a region severely impacted by recent floods. Grounded in a new risk communication framework for community resilience, the research utilised a mixed-method approach that included semi-structured interviews and a survey questionnaire. The aim is to evaluate community resilience against flooding by examining two objectives: effective flood risk communication and preparedness, including developing recommendations to improve communication and preparedness. Key findings reveal high access to flood risk information among community members, although official sources are not prioritised. The study also identified that community-induced flood risks are primarily associated with improper waste disposal practices. There is a moderate confidence level in the authority's flood risk information and early warning messages, coupled with mixed perceptions regarding the primary responsibility for flood preparedness among stakeholders. Individuals' experiences significantly influenced their engagement in flood preparedness, yet a lack of participation in community flood preparedness initiatives remains. Additional challenges impacting effective flood management include persistent governance issues, the politicisation of aid, resource limitations, and corruption. We offer recommendations for enhancing community resilience to flooding, strengthened by community resilience-building initiatives. The outcomes of this study will improve policies and operational practices for improving community flood resilience while contributing to the existing literature.