Abstract:

Flooding ranks among the most frequent natural disasters in Africa often leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases. This places considerable strain on already vulnerable communities. While top-down disaster management approaches are crucial, African communities have developed innovative strategies to enhance resilience to flooding and its related consequences. This scoping review explores the nature, scope, and effectiveness of community-led initiatives addressing flood resilience and associated waterborne diseases across African settings. Articles, reports, and case studies published between 2010 and 2025 that provided empirical evidence on community-based interventions targeting flooding and waterborne diseases across Africa were reviewed. Findings revealed a wide range of community-led strategies across Africa aimed at building resilience to flooding and mitigating waterborne diseases. Key interventions included community-based early warning systems, flood-resistant infrastructure, participatory water and sanitation management, hygiene education, and localized disease prevention efforts. Communities also leveraged social networks, indigenous knowledge, and decentralized resource management to strengthen preparedness and recovery. These approaches were linked to reduced disease incidence, such as cholera and dysentery, and improved infrastructure resilience. However, implementation was often hindered by limited financial and technical resources, poor coordination with government structures, rapid urban growth, and the escalating impacts of climate change. Community-led initiatives are vital in enhancing resilience to flooding and mitigating the impacts of flooding and waterborne diseases in Africa. Future efforts should focus on scaling and integration of broader resilience strategies for sustainable impact.

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