Coping study on risk and society: public perception, economic aspects and education needs - an African perspective

This study presents African experience with disaster risks and natural hazards during the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) and discusses drought mitigation measures in rural areas and flood risk reduction activities in unplanned urban settlements. It addresses food insecurity, social vulnerability and economic aspects of disaster prevention in Africa.

The study highlights the importance of effective early warning systems, strong public awareness campaigns and relevant educational and training programmes as powerful tools in disaster risk management. Prepared for the IDNDR Programme Forum 1999, the study outlines the role of the individual and the State in disaster prevention and risk reduction, and provides recommendations and areas of focus for the post-IDNDR period.