ReliefWeb

Foreword

The number of disasters reported in Africa has increased significantly since the 1970s. Over the last four decades, Sub-Saharan Africa has experienced more than one thousand disasters. Disasters are a major threat to development, putting at risk many recent development gains. Africa’s disaster profile is characterized by extreme hydro-meteorological events, which will likely increase in frequency and magnitude due to climate change. Sub-Saharan Africa’s disaster profile is closely linked to the vulnerability of its population and economy and their often-low capacities to cope with natural hazards.

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) is an important pillar for sustainable development and an integral part of the World Bank’s activities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) is the primary global framework for disaster risk reduction. Together with UNISDR, the African Union and other development partners, the World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) are key partners to support its implementation. The World Bank Africa DRM Team coordinates the disaster risk management (DRM) activities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This report provides an update on the status of DRR activities in the Sub-Saharan Africa region of the World Bank. The report reviews recent activities and achievements covering the period from January, 2008 to the first half of 2010 in four chapters:

1. Africa’s disaster profile
2. Global, regional, and national frameworks for disaster risk reduction
3. Disaster Risk Management in Sub Saharan Africa
4. Towards a comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction

The report also highlights the continued dialogue with governments leading to strategic investments in DRR-including opportunities for regional cooperation and new risk financing instruments.