Within the Lapai Gwari neighborhood of Niger state, north central Nigeria, elders predict the climate by observing a big stone within the Chachanga River. The LapanGwagwan stone serves as a software to find out the frequency of flooding and gauge the severity of rainfall.
When the color of the stone modifications to brown, it signifies an imminent heavy downpour, whereas a gray color signifies both mild or average rainfall.
This conventional information helps the neighborhood to arrange for potential flooding.
This is only one instance of the indigenous information established within the literature as essential in mitigating the results of local weather change. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Local weather Change Evaluation report additionally affirms that indigenous information must be built-in into analysis.
Transferring this data does not at all times occur, nevertheless. Scientists and policymakers do not all recognise its worth.
In the meantime, for coastal communities like Lapai Gwari, frequent flooding poses a main menace and threat to long-term improvement.
Research recommend that by 2100, sea ranges might rise by as a lot as 100cm, presenting much more hazards to coastal communities round Africa.
I’ve been researching the difference and resilience of African coastal cities to local weather change for over a decade. I imagine that figuring out and integrating indigenous information has so much to supply.
In a latest e-book chapter, I recognized 5 distinctive indigenous information methods practised in 4 coastal communities of Africa. These are: change in water color; lunar commentary; participatory mapping; yearly sacrifice to the gods; and intensive information of native vegetation and animals.
I argue that drawing on native knowledge and experience can improve insurance policies and mechanisms to guard folks from the results of frequent flooding in African coastal cities.
Analysis goals and strategies
To establish the indigenous information inside these communities, I reviewed related literature, newspaper articles and social media retailers, and interviewed native residents of coastal communities. These had been in Lagos and Delta States in Nigeria, Durban in South Africa, and Accra in Ghana.
I aimed to know practices in these communities that associated to flood resilience and adaptation.
I found that folks had helpful indigenous information about predicting and mapping flood dangers. However this data was fragmented and there wasn’t a cohesive framework to place it into observe.
Individuals stated that information wasn’t being documented and shared. Additionally, faith and training influenced perceptions in regards to the worth of the information.
5 indigenous information methods
Change in water color: Native residents in Delta State, Nigeria advised me how they knew {that a} flood was about to happen: there was a sudden change within the color of the water from clear to deep brown. The flood normally adopted the change in water color after 24 to 48 hours. This warning signal gave the neighborhood time to take precautions, akin to evacuating low-lying areas and securing belongings.
Lunar commentary: Individuals within the Anlo coastal neighborhood in Ghana’s Volta Area examine the moon and use it to foretell flood years. They stated an approaching full moon throughout the peak of rainfall indicated that flood was imminent. They perceive the moon’s affect on tidal patterns and its correlation with flood occasions, empowering them to behave prematurely.
Participatory mapping method: In Accra and Durban, some residents have developed a participatory mapping method which helps them put together for floods. They map their environment, together with susceptible areas and pure sources. This permits them to establish areas liable to flooding and assess the effectiveness of present nature-based options akin to mangroves or wetlands. They will additionally discover methods to scale back flood dangers.
Yearly sacrifice to the gods: The chief priest of the Isheri neighborhood in Lagos described an annual sacrifice carried out to appease the gods and deal with flooding. This indigenous observe displays the cultural and religious beliefs of the neighborhood.
Information of native natural world: The coastal communities I studied had a deep information of native vegetation and animals and their ecological significance. They knew in regards to the impression of local weather change on these species. By their shut interactions with the surroundings, folks had noticed modifications within the behaviour, distribution and abundance of species, offering priceless insights into the results of local weather change.
From observe to coverage
These distinctive indigenous information practices supply alternatives to construct resilient coastal communities. So it’s disheartening that their recognition and integration into mainstream efforts stays restricted.
My examine proposes that the brand new fashions and improvements for resilience observe ought to draw on indigenous information.
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The place to begin is for policymakers to acknowledge its worth. Methods have to be discovered to work collectively, creating and sharing information. Such platforms ought to carry collectively scientists, specialists, policymakers and indigenous communities to foster mutual studying, respect and understanding.
Communities additionally need assistance to construct their capability and strengthen their function in resilience initiatives. This contains supporting initiatives that doc and protect indigenous information, recognising its cultural and historic significance.
Investments must be made in training and coaching that promotes the transmission of indigenous information to youthful generations, guaranteeing its continuity and relevance within the face of evolving environmental challenges.
By embracing the genuine integration of scientific and indigenous information, we are able to pave the way in which for extra complete, context-specific and sustainable approaches to flood resilience in African coastal cities.
Olasunkanmi Habeeb Okunola, Visiting Scientist, United Nations College – Institute for Surroundings and Human Safety (UNU-EHS), United Nations College
