Evaluating Challenges in Community Awareness and Engagement Practices for Proactive Flood Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): A Comparative Study between Nigeria and the United Kingdom to Enhance Flood Resilience in Nigeria

Flooding, exacerbated by climate change, remains a significant threat to socio-economic stability and environmental sustainability, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Bayelsa State in Nigeria.

This research evaluates the current state of community awareness and engagement in flood risk management in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. It investigates how different socio-economic and demographic factors influence community participation and preparedness in both countries

Thus, in alignment with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, this study underscores the critical importance of proactive and community-centered approaches to flood disaster risk reduction (DRR), emphasizing the need for pre-flood preparation to mitigate risks during and after flood events.

This research adopts a mixed-methods approach, incorporating semi-structured interviews with 60 participants—including flood-affected residents, volunteer groups, and government officials in Bayelsa—and archival research on advanced flood risk management practices in the United Kingdom. By using mixed-methods research, including surveys, interviews, and case studies, the chapter identifies critical gaps in awareness and engagement and proposes targeted strategies to enhance community involvement in flood risk reduction.

The findings reveal significant systemic vulnerabilities in Bayelsa’s flood management framework, including fragmented coordination, limited government support, and inadequate integration of local knowledge into institutional strategies. A striking 90% of participants reported no prior involvement in flood drills, while 69% lacked access to critical flood risk information. These challenges are compounded by socio-economic constraints such as financial limitations, low literacy levels, and limited infrastructure, all of which hinder effective community engagement.

Conversely, the UK demonstrates effective flood management practices aligned with the Sendai Framework's priorities, including robust early warning systems, participatory governance, and sustained investment in resilience-building initiatives. By leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration, the UK offers practical models for integrating socio-economic and physical risk components into comprehensive DRR strategies.

This study proposes transformative, context-specific strategies for Bayelsa State, including the development of localized flood awareness platforms, enhanced early warning systems that combine modern technologies (e.g., mobile alerts) with traditional communication methods, and regular community-led flood simulations. These strategies directly address the Sendai Framework’s goals to substantially reduce disaster-related mortality, economic losses, and the disruption of critical infrastructure by fostering inclusive and participatory processes.

Furthermore, the research emphasizes the seamless integration of citizen knowledge with institutional expertise, a core principle of the Sendai Framework, to enhance risk-informed decision-making and adaptive capacity. The findings advocate for a shift towards proactive, pre-flood preparation measures that empower communities with the knowledge, tools, and organizational capacity needed to minimize the cascading impacts of flood disasters and accelerate recovery.

By anchoring its recommendations within the Sendai Framework’s focus on understanding disaster risk, strengthening governance, and investing in DRR for resilience, this study contributes to global efforts to mitigate the effects of climate-induced hazards. It reinforces the critical role of local communities as central stakeholders in DRR, advocating for scalable and replicable strategies that bridge policy and practice. This research not only provides actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners but highlights the broader relevance of pre-flood preparation in advancing sustainable, inclusive flood disaster risk management worldwide.