Resilience Initiative Africa (RIA) Leading the Way: Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Training for Local Government Champions 

From 19 to 21 March 2024 took place at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi (Kenya) a workshop organized by Resilience Initiative Africa (RIA), a GIZ support programme, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), UCLG Africa, Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) and Slum Dwellers International (SDI).  

Sixty-three (63) delegates from various cities across Africa, experts in DRR, UNDRR, UCLG, UCLG Africa, SDI, and other local organizations based in Nairobi were involved in this 2-day workshop, with a focus on the key objectives below:  

– Equip participants with fundamental knowledge, principles, and frameworks of DRR, 

– Introduce to participatory risk analysis tools used by UNDRR, UCLG, and SDI, 

-Provide a platform for the exchange of practical examples and expert knowledge by practitioners as well as peer-to-peer consultation. 

Fundamentals of Resilient Governance and Development: Opening remarks  

The representative of UNDRR welcomed all participants and emphasized the importance of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the role of Cities in analyzing their hazardous conditions, their vulnerabilities and capacities. The importance of partnership between organizations was also highlighted. On behalf of UCLG Africa, Dr. Robert Sangori, Director of the Climate Department, thanked the organizers and underscored the context of this training workshop where significant advances were made regarding loss and damage, and the global goal on adaptation. He informed participants that UCLG Africa has one key programme with the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) on Rapid Climate Risk Assessment (RCRA) in Homa Bay (Kenya) and Cotonou (Benin). He also emphasized connecting the dot in capacity building programmes, identifying the climate risks in each city and governance process to be put in place to manage climate disasters. In the same vein, the aspects of biodiversity process and mainstreaming nature-based solutions were highlighted. The African Local Governments Academy (ALGA) plays a vanguard role in capacity building for cities and local governments, working with RIA. The Building Climate Resilience of the Urban Poor (BCRUP) as a global initiative with UCLG Africa as an implementing partner, is also an important programme that will enormously contribute to disaster risk reduction. 

Workshop sessions  

The workshop commenced with an introduction to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, emphasizing its key concepts and linkages to other agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Climate initiatives, and the importance of resilience building for local governments. Participants engaged in discussions on the importance of resilience building for local governments and reflected on the significance of investing in DRR. A simulation exercise allowed participants to role-play as local government officials making decisions on budget allocations, highlighting the short and long-term impacts of their choices on city resilience. A presentation by Mr. Jerome Byukusenge, Head of the Technical Assistance Unit at the East Africa regional office of UCLG Africa, on Fundamentals of Resilient Governance & Development for LRGs, examined the fundamental elements for integrating urban resilience principles into local policy cycles, focusing on multi-level and multi-stakeholder disaster risk governance, and codevelopment of DRR policies, strategies and action plans. A peer-learning session was organized in small groups for deeper exchange on guiding questions provided for them to learn from each other and inspire other cities. 

Practical Tools and Strategies for DRR  

The second day focused on practical tools and strategies for DRR, including the MCR2030 Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities and the Know Your City tool by SDI. Participants learned how to identify gaps, needs, and risks through risk and resilience assessments using the MCR2030 Scorecard. They engaged in a practical exercise where each city per country worked on the Scorecard, focusing on essential aspects such as Ecosystem Services, Institutional Capacity, and Societal Capacity. Additionally, discussions revolved around spatial planning and physical risk reduction measures, with a particular emphasis on informal contexts. Participants experienced first-hand how the MCR2030 Disaster Resilience Scorecard can help cities assess their resilience along the 10 Essentials and identify key areas for action. They also learned how SDI’s Know Your City tool can help cities work with communities to assess risks in informal contexts and co-develop resilience building strategies. In the afternoon, participants visited Michuki Park and Uhuru Park, witnessing firsthand the integration of green and blue infrastructure in urban development and the transformation of dumpsites into public spaces. The Michuki site was previously used as dumpsite and criminal hideout which came about as a result of the rehabilitation and restoration on the Nairobi River.  

Gender Mainstreaming, Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Practical Applications  

The final day delved into gender mainstreaming in DRR and introduced participants to disability-inclusive DRM. Practical sessions involved co-creating emergency preparation and response plans for specific hazards, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and whole-of-society approach.  

Participants discussed the effectiveness of disaster management in terms of preparedness, response and recovery, which often depends on the management systems and institutional environment in place. 

They understood how optimal coordination and whole-of-society approach, with a clear allocation of roles and responsibilities based on a sound legal framework and a clear competences scenario, could facilitate effective action over the disaster management cycle, and thereby contribute towards mitigating and responding to potential impacts at the local and neighborhood level. The workshop concluded with cities presenting their thoughts on post-workshop actions, expressing interest in partnering with other cities and hosting exchanges.  

Outcomes and Next Steps:  

-Enhanced understanding of fundamental principles and frameworks of DRR among participants, 

-Increased familiarity with practical tools such as the MCR2030 Scorecard and Know Your City tool. Cities’ leaderships were encouraged to join the MCR2030 on voluntary basis, 

-Strengthened commitment to gender mainstreaming and disability-inclusive approaches in DRR, 

-Identified challenges, opportunities, and action points for cities to enhance their resilience, 

-Establishment of partnerships and networks for ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange.  

The training workshop provided a valuable platform for African cities and experts in DRR to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen their capacities for building resilient communities in the face of disasters.