Floods and extreme weather are becoming more frequent in Togo, but communities are no longer waiting for disaster to strike before taking action. Through the Resilience Building Through Multi-Stakeholder Engagement in Anticipatory Action for Climate-Induced Disasters (REBUMAA) project, West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) Togo, in partnership with the Togolese Red Cross, is helping communities prepare, respond, and protect themselves against climate-related risks.

The project places communities at the centre of disaster risk management. Rather than being seen as victims, local people are supported to become active players in their own safety. This approach came to life during a field mission held in July and August 2025, which covered ten project communities. During the mission, Feedback and Early Community Action Committees were set up and officially installed.

These community committees are made up of trusted men and women chosen by their own communities. They represent different social groups and are selected based on integrity and local knowledge. Their role is simple but critical. First, they help mobilise the community, ensuring that support such as emergency cash assistance reaches those who need it most. Second, they play a key role in early warning and coordination, helping communities respond quickly when floods threaten. Third, they promote fairness and inclusion, making sure that women, older people, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups are not left behind.

Local authorities have strongly supported this initiative. As one prefectural official noted, communities should not wait for tragedy before responding. Alongside preparedness, the project also encourages safer behaviours and environmental actions such as reforestation, which help reduce long-term risk.

Community participation has been high, from defining who should receive support to openly selecting committee members. By training these committees in early action planning and community accountability, REBUMAA is helping to build a culture of prevention in Togo. It is a practical step toward stronger, safer, and more resilient communities in the face of climate threats.