From October 13th to 19th, 2024, the Resilience Building through Multi-Stakeholder Engagement in Anticipatory Action for Climate-Induced Disaster (REBUMAA) team from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, made their mark at the Association of Nigeria Geographers (ANG) Conference in Abuja. The week-long event brought together top scholars in geography and environmental science, creating a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

One of the highlights was the team’s plenary session presentation on Enhanced Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (EVCA) for Anticipatory Action in Flood Resilience Building of River-Prone Areas in Nigeria. The session sparked lively discussions and valuable feedback, reinforcing the importance of their work.

“The scholars found our presentation enlightening; they added their experiences, which helped improve the methodology that has now been adopted by the University of Ibadan,” said Dorcas Adewumi Olawuyi, a doctoral candidate under the REBUMAA project.

The week wasn’t just about presentations. The team actively engaged in workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, exchanging insights with fellow researchers and exploring practical solutions to regional environmental challenges. These interactions highlighted the urgent need for real-time data in managing climate risks.

“The EVCA is unique because the analysis of data is almost done in real-time, thereby providing results that can be assessed almost immediately,” Dorcas added. This groundbreaking approach addresses a key challenge identified in the EVCA analysis—food and nutrition insecurity, alongside flooding. By integrating this solution with local culture, communities can better anticipate and prepare for disasters, ensuring more effective and sustainable resilience planning.

Attending the ANG Abuja Conference was an invaluable experience for the REBUMAA team. It provided a platform to showcase their research, refine their methodologies, and connect with leading experts. The knowledge gained will drive their mission forward, strengthening resilience in vulnerable areas and shaping the future of flood risk management in Nigeria.