The Youth-Led DRR Hub seeks to empower children and youth to take active roles in
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) within the climate-vulnerable South-South region of
Nigeria. With the increasing frequency of climate-induced disasters such as floods,
coastal erosion, and storms, which in the long run can effect mental health of children
and youth in the region it is critical to mobilize the potential of young people as change
agents to build resilient communities. The project focuses on equipping youth with the
knowledge, skills, and platforms to lead DRR initiatives that reduce risks and safeguard
their communities.
Context:
Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, located in the South-South region of Nigeria, are highly
vulnerable to climate-induced disasters due to their coastal geography, high population
density, and environmental degradation. Frequent flooding, especially during the rainy
season, threatens the livelihood, infrastructure, and safety of these communities. The
youth population in this region represents a significant demographic, and their potential
as leaders and innovators in disaster management remains largely untapped. By
leveraging youth leadership and fostering collaboration with local authorities, this
project aims to strengthen community preparedness and resilience to natural hazards.
Main Goals:
1. Capacity Building:
The project will train children and youth (ages 10-18) on DRR concepts and practices
through tailored workshops and educational programs. These training sessions will
cover topics such as disaster risk awareness, early warning systems, climate change
adaptation, and community preparedness and effect of DRR to children and youth as a
result of stigma of mental health challenge in the society . The goal is to equip youth
with the knowledge and tools necessary to actively engage in DRR efforts within their
communities.
2. Youth-Led Initiatives:
Empowering youth to take ownership of DRR initiatives is central to this project. Youth
DRR teams will be formed and tasked with developing and implementing community-based projects that address specific local risks. Examples include setting up early
warning systems, conducting preparedness drills in schools and communities, and
identifying vulnerable areas for intervention. These youth-led initiatives will foster
practical problem-solving skills and leadership development.
3. Community Engagement and Advocacy:
The project emphasizes collaboration between youth, community leaders, and local
authorities to ensure that DRR activities are integrated into broader community
resilience plans. Youth will engage in advocacy efforts aimed at promoting disaster
awareness and influencing local policy to prioritize DRR. Partnerships with schools, local
governments, and NGOs and traditional institutions will be established to create a
sustainable platform for ongoing youth participation in DRR.
Target Beneficiaries
1. Primary Beneficiaries:
Children and youth (ages 10-18), including marginalized and vulnerable groups, are the
primary target. This includes students from underserved schools, youth in rural and
coastal areas, and those disproportionately affected by climate risks. Such as mental
health problems etc The project aims to reach 500 youth across Akwa Ibom and
Rivers States.
2. Secondary Beneficiaries:
Local communities, schools, and authorities will benefit indirectly from enhanced DRR
capacity, reduced disaster risks, and increased preparedness. The project will engage
local government disaster management agencies and community leaders, reaching an
estimated 5,000 community members.
Implementation Plan:
The project will be rolled out over 9 months with the following phased approach:
Phase 1: Project Setup (Months 1-2)
Stakeholder consultations and partnerships with local authorities and schools.
Baseline assessment of community vulnerabilities and youth participation in DRR.
Recruitment of youth participants and formation of youth DRR teams.
Phase 2: Capacity Building (Months 3-4)
Training workshops for youth on DRR, risk assessments, and leadership skills.
Development of DRR educational materials tailored to the regional context.
Creation of early warning communication strategies led by youth.
Phase 3: Youth-Led Initiatives (Months 4-5)
Youth teams develop and implement community-based DRR projects.
Installation of early warning systems and conducting community preparedness
drills.
Youth-led awareness campaigns through social media, radio, and community
events.
Phase 4: Community Engagement (Months 5-9)
Collaboration between youth and local authorities to integrate DRR activities into
community resilience plans.
Advocacy efforts to promote DRR policy adoption at the local level.
Partnerships with schools to include DRR in the educational curriculum.
Phase 5: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Handover (Month 9)
Monitoring of project activities and assessment of DRR initiatives’ effectiveness.
Evaluation of community resilience improvements and youth leadership
outcomes.
Handover of youth-led initiatives to local governments and schools to ensure
sustainability.
Project Activities:
Youth Training Workshops: Conduct capacity-building workshops for 500 children
and youth on DRR concepts, climate change adaptation, and leadership.
Community Risk Mapping: Engage youth in identifying vulnerable areas in their
communities and developing risk maps for disaster preparedness.
Preparedness Drills: Organize youth-led disaster preparedness drills in schools and
local communities to test and refine emergency response plans.
Early Warning Systems: Install youth-managed early warning systems in flood-prone
areas to provide timely alerts during disaster events.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch awareness campaigns through youth
advocacy using social media, radio, and community outreach to promote disaster
preparedness.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
The project will establish a monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress,
identify challenges, and assess impact. Key performance indicators include the number
of youth trained, DRR projects implemented, and community members reached through
awareness campaigns. Regular reporting and mid-term evaluations will ensure the
project remains on track, and lessons learned will be documented for continuous
improvement.
Sustainability:
Sustainability will be ensured through capacity building, community ownership, and
partnerships. By training youth and integrating DRR into schools and local governance
structures, the project ensures that DRR efforts continue beyond its 12-month duration.
Local governments and schools will adopt and maintain the youth-led initiatives to
ensure long-term resilience in the face of climate-related hazards.
Relevance of the Project
The Youth-Led Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project in the South-South region of
Nigeria, specifically Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, is highly relevant due to the
increasing frequency and severity of climate-induced disasters, such as floods and
coastal erosion, which disproportionately affect vulnerable communities in this region.
Several factors highlight the importance of this project:
1. Climate Vulnerability of the South-South Region:
The region is prone to flooding, storms, and coastal erosion, which have severe impacts
on agriculture, infrastructure, and the livelihoods of local populations. As a coastal area,
it faces ongoing threats from rising sea levels and extreme weather events, making
DRR initiatives critical to mitigating these risks.
2. Youth as Agents of Change:
Youth represent a large portion of the population in the South-South region, but their
potential in disaster management remains underutilized. This project empowers young
people by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to address disaster risks. By
involving them directly, the project taps into their creativity, energy, and leadership
potential to drive change within their communities.
3. Building Resilience in Vulnerable Communities:
Vulnerable groups, including children, youth, and marginalized populations, are often
the most affected by climate-induced disasters. The project focuses on enhancing the
disaster preparedness and resilience of these groups by involving them in DRR activities,
creating a bottom-up approach that strengthens community resilience.
4. Alignment with Global Frameworks:
The project aligns with global initiatives such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction 2015-2030, which emphasizes the importance of community engagement
and the inclusion of vulnerable populations in DRR strategies. It also contributes to
Nigeria’s national efforts to reduce disaster risks and build resilience, supporting the
country’s sustainable development goals (SDGs).
5. Promoting Sustainable Development:
By reducing disaster risks and increasing community resilience, the project contributes
to the long-term sustainability of the region. It ensures that communities are better
equipped to cope with disasters, preventing loss of life, property damage, and economic
setbacks.
Project Activities
The Youth-Led Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project in the South-South region of
Nigeria (Akwa Ibom and Rivers States) will focus on a variety of activities designed to
empower youth, build community resilience, and reduce disaster risks. Below are the
key project activities:
1. Youth Training Workshops:
Conduct a series of workshops for children and youth (ages 10-18) on DRR concepts,
climate change adaptation, and leadership skills.
Topics will include risk assessment, early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and
response strategies.
2. Formation of Youth DRR Teams:
Create youth-led DRR teams within schools and communities to take ownership of local
DRR initiatives.
These teams will lead activities such as community risk assessments, preparedness
planning, and response drills.
3. Community Risk Mapping:
Engage youth in identifying local disaster risks by creating risk maps that outline
vulnerable areas and prioritize intervention points.
These maps will be shared with local authorities for action planning.
4. Preparedness Drills:
Organize disaster preparedness drills in schools and communities, focusing on
evacuation procedures, emergency response, and coordination with local authorities.
The drills will help communities practice real-time responses to floods and other hazards.
5. Installation of Early Warning Systems:
Work with youth teams to set up basic early warning systems in flood-prone areas,
leveraging technology and community networks.
These systems will provide timely alerts during disaster events, helping to reduce loss
of life and property.
6. Public Awareness Campaigns:
Youth-led teams will conduct DRR awareness campaigns targeting community members
through school programs, social media, radio, and community outreach.
The campaigns will educate the public on disaster preparedness and response, while
promoting the importance of youth involvement in DRR.
7. Youth-Led Advocacy:
Facilitate youth participation in advocacy efforts aimed at influencing local disaster
management policies.
Youth will engage with local leaders, community organizations, and government
agencies to integrate DRR into community plans and policy.
Time frame of the project
The Youth-Led Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project in the South-South region of
Nigeria (Akwa Ibom and Rivers States) will be implemented over a period of 9 months.
The timeline for the project is as follows:
Months 1-2: Project Launch and Preparation
Establishment of Project Teams: Formation of project teams and recruitment of
youth participants from schools and communities.
Initial Community Engagement: Meetings with local authorities, schools, and
community leaders to introduce the project and gather support.
Baseline Assessment: Conduct a needs assessment to identify specific disaster risks
and vulnerabilities in the target communities.
Months 2-3: Capacity Building and Training
Youth Training Workshops: Organize workshops to train youth on DRR concepts,
climate change adaptation, and leadership skills.
Formation of Youth DRR Teams: Create youth-led DRR teams in schools and
communities, and provide them with tools and resources to lead activities.
Months 3-4: DRR Implementation
Community Risk Mapping: Engage youth in conducting risk mapping exercises to
identify vulnerable areas and prioritize interventions.
Preparedness Drills: Organize disaster preparedness drills in schools and
communities to practice evacuation procedures and response strategies.
Early Warning System Setup: Begin installation of basic early warning systems in
flood-prone areas, with youth teams leading the effort.
List of project team
The Youth-Led Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project in the South-South region of
Nigeria will involve a diverse team with expertise in disaster management, youth
engagement, community outreach, and monitoring. Below is a list of key project team
members and their roles:
1. Project Manager – Emmanuel Eze
Role: Oversees the entire project, ensuring alignment with goals, timelines, and
budgets. Liaises with stakeholders, including local authorities, schools, and community
leaders, and coordinates team activities.
Expertise: Project management, disaster risk reduction, and community development.
2. Youth Engagement Coordinator – Grant Nwaigbo
Role: Leads the recruitment, training, and coordination of youth participants in DRR
activities. Ensures youth are equipped with knowledge and skills, and oversees the
formation of youth DRR teams.
Expertise: Youth leadership, education, and community organizing.
3. Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist – Ozioma Nwaogwuogwu
Role: Provides technical expertise in disaster risk reduction strategies, including risk
mapping, preparedness drills, and early warning systems. Advises on DRR best
practices and ensures compliance with national and international frameworks.
Expertise: DRR, climate change adaptation, and early warning systems.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation Officer – Jessy Eze
Role: Responsible for tracking project progress, monitoring outcomes, and conducting
evaluations to ensure objectives are met. Prepares mid-term and final evaluation
reports.
Expertise: Monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, and impact assessment.
5. Community Liaison Officer – Benjamin Ndukauba
Role: Engages with local communities, schools, and authorities to facilitate
collaboration and buy-in for DRR initiatives. Ensures that the project aligns with
community needs and priorities.
Expertise: Community engagement, stakeholder management, and advocacy.
6. Public Relations Officer – Nnamdi Nwafor
Role: Manages the public awareness campaigns, including outreach via social media,
radio, and community events. Ensures that the public understands the importance of
DRR and the role of youth in promoting resilience.
Expertise: Communications, media relations, and public outreach.
7. Logistics Coordinator – Emeka Nwajuba
Role: Manages the logistical aspects of the project, including organizing training
sessions, preparedness drills, and distributing materials for DRR activities.
Expertise: Logistics, event planning, and supply chain management.
8. Financial Officer – Patricia Ogwuma
Role: Oversees project budget and financial management, including monitoring
expenditures, processing payments, and ensuring financial accountability.
Expertise: Financial management, budgeting, and accounting.
9. Local Youth Leaders – [Names]
Role: Serve as the on-the-ground leaders of youth DRR teams, driving local activities
such as risk assessments, preparedness drills, and advocacy efforts.
Expertise: Local youth leadership, disaster preparedness, and community mobilization.
Month 9: Project Conclusion and Reporting
Final Evaluation: Conduct a final evaluation of the project’s impact on youth
leadership in DRR and community resilience.
Report Writing and Handover: Compile and submit a final project report, including
lessons learned and recommendations for future DRR initiatives. Handover of project
materials and knowledge to local authorities and community leaders.
Monitor and Evaluation of the project
The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of the Youth-Led Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
Project in the South-South region of Nigeria will focus on tracking progress, measuring
the impact of activities, and ensuring the project’s objectives are met efficiently. The
M&E framework includes the following components:
1. Monitoring
Regular Monitoring Visits: The M&E officer will conduct regular site visits to observe
project activities, including training sessions, youth-led DRR initiatives, and community
engagement efforts.
Progress Tracking: Monthly reports will be submitted by the youth DRR teams and
project coordinators, detailing activities such as risk mapping, preparedness drills, and
early warning system installations.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Specific KPIs will be tracked, such as the
number of youth trained, the number of community members involved in preparedness
drills, and the effectiveness of the early warning systems.
2. Evaluation
Mid-Term Evaluation: After six months, a mid-term evaluation will be conducted to
assess the progress of the project, identify challenges, and make any necessary
adjustments to ensure the objectives are on track.
Final Evaluation: At the end of the 9-month project period, a comprehensive
evaluation will be conducted to measure the overall impact, including:
Increased Disaster Preparedness: Number of youth and community members who
demonstrate improved disaster preparedness knowledge and skills.
Community Resilience: Impact on community resilience, including reduced
vulnerability to climate-induced disasters.
Youth Empowerment: Assess the degree to which youth have taken leadership roles
in DRR activities.
3. Data Collection Methods
Surveys and Interviews: Collect feedback from project beneficiaries (youth,
community members, and local authorities) through surveys and interviews to assess
their understanding of DRR and the project’s impact on their preparedness.
Focus Groups: Organize focus group discussions with youth leaders and community
members to gather qualitative data on the effectiveness of project activities and areas
for improvement.
4. Reporting
Quarterly Reports: M&E reports will be generated quarterly, summarizing key
findings and recommending any course corrections.
Final Project Report: At the end of the project, a final report will be produced,
detailing the outcomes, impact, lessons learned, and recommendations for future DRR
initiatives.
This M&E plan ensures that the project remains on course, delivers measurable results,
and provides valuable insights for scaling and sustaining future youth-led DRR effect.
Sustainability of the disaster Risk Reduction
1 Institutional framework Nigeria has made effort to established institutional
frameworks for disaster risk reduction. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is the primary agency responsible for coordinating disaster management
efforts in Nigeria, The project can be sustained through
(1) Community Engagement : Engaging local communities in disaster risk reduction
efforts is essential for sustainability . Community based approached that
involved local knowledge and practices can enhance resilience and reduce
vulnerability.
(2) Resource Allocation : Adequate and sustainable funding is critical for disaster
risk reduction efforts.Nigeria faces challenges in securing consistent funding for
DRR initiatives , which can affect the sustainability of these efforts
(3) We need collaboration and partnership among government agencies, NGOs, civil
society organization ,academia and private sector is essential for sustainable
disaster disaster risk reduction .Building strong partnerships can enhance
resilience and response capabilities