Objectives
Structured in three phases (pilot phase 2009, targeted application 2009-2010, dissemination 2010-2013) over a 4-year period, the project aims to :
- strengthen the technical and operational capacities of West and Central African National Societies and their local networks, in the development and implementation of diagnostic, preventive risk management and post-disaster intervention strategies, based on locally available dynamics;
- provide the local population with technical solutions for improving existing and new housing, adapted to local contexts and capacities, to increase their resistance to flooding and prevent a potential disaster.
In recent years, West and Central Africa have seen an increasing number of floods, leading to more frequent damage to the homes and property of local populations, further increasing their vulnerability.
Aware of the scale of the needs, the ever-increasing risk zones and the financial limitations of local populations, the International Federation of the Red Cross decided, within the framework of the “Global Shelter Program” launched in 2007, to support vulnerability reduction strategies based on the enhancement, dissemination and, where necessary, improvement of existing local building practices.
During the pilot phase (April - October 2009) two major aspects were identified:
- the existence of constructive cultures that are effective against the risk of flooding, but are insufficiently exploited by the population, which expects “technological miracles” from aid agencies;
- the ability of stakeholders, at both national and local level, to appropriate the proposed tools and methods and apply them to the beneficiary populations.
The first possible activities, defined in consultation with the various partners of the Red Cross Movement, focus on raising awareness among the population through local Red Cross volunteers, on the application of good building practices associated with local building cultures, and on training construction professionals to improve these building techniques to make them more flood-resistant.
Expected results
Assistance to 2,000 families (pilot phase)
Partners
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva (Switzerland), Regional Coordination - Dakar (Senegal), National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of West and Central Africa (pilot phase: Côte d'Ivoire National Society).
