African Natural and Man-Made Disasters: The Management of the Continent's Nemesis

Authors: Douglas Ncube; Rudo Abigail Togaraseyi
African Natural and Man-Made Disasters: The Management of the Continent's Nemesis
DOI
10.25125/ijoear-jul-2026-5
DIN
IJOEAR-JUL-2026-5
Abstract

Disasters have been occurring since time immemorial and have significant economic and social impacts, causing direct damages and long-term economic losses requiring large fiscal outlays for reconstruction and recovery in Africa. This paper reviews the state of disaster management in Africa and how African countries can best strengthen their disaster preparedness and response capabilities. The review examines disasters that have occurred over the past five decades (1970–2023), including natural disasters (droughts, floods, cyclones, earthquakes, volcanoes, heatwaves, wildfires), man-made disasters (conflicts, insurgencies), and health emergencies (epidemics, pandemics, drug abuse). The research is based primarily on a qualitative literature review of secondary data sources, including journals, handbooks, working papers, government documents, and conference proceedings. The findings reveal that Africa faces a convergence of environmental, economic, and social vulnerabilities that reduce the capacity of individuals and communities to secure and protect their livelihoods. About 1,700 natural disasters have been reported in Africa over the past five decades, causing economic losses of approximately US$38.5 billion and over 750,000 deaths. The paper concludes that while disasters cannot be prevented, disaster management can be reinforced to reduce mortality and suffering. Strengthening early warning systems, enhancing institutional frameworks, promoting regional cooperation, and addressing underlying vulnerabilities are essential for building resilience and reducing disaster losses in Africa.

Keywords
Africa Climate change Disaster occurrences Disaster management Pandemics Conflicts Drug abuse Vulnerability Resilience Emergency management.
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Introduction

This paper discusses the state of disaster management and how African countries can best strengthen their disaster preparedness and response capabilities. The paper reviews disasters that have taken place over the past five decades, covering the period from 1970 to 2023. Disasters have been occurring since time immemorial, but their impacts are being felt more acutely now than ever before [1]. Globally, the incidence of disasters appears to be increasing, and the number of vulnerable persons in disaster-prone areas, particularly in Africa, is also rising at alarming levels [2].

Disasters have significant economic and social impacts, causing direct damages to public and private property, resulting in short-term and long-term economic losses requiring large fiscal outlays for reconstruction and recovery, and further fueling the disaster risk and poverty nexus [3]. As societies have become more complex, it is evident that people are increasingly responsible, directly or indirectly, for the consequences of events previously ascribed to forces beyond their control [4].

Natural disasters include weather phenomena such as tropical storms, extreme heat or cold, winds, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions [4]. Disasters caused by humans include transportation accidents, industrial accidents, conflicts, and the collapse of poorly constructed buildings [4]. Reports state that the annual cost of natural disasters from 1980 to 2023 was approximately US$60.81 trillion annually [5]. According to reports in 2023, man-made disasters have caused economic damages worth approximately US$9 billion per annum [6].

Conclusion

Disasters cannot be stopped, but disaster management can be reinforced, aiming to reduce people's death rates and suffering. Disasters are amongst the main challenges facing Africa and not only lead to the loss of lives but also hinder the stabilization of local economies and prevent development. The economic costs of disasters have increased in Africa, where remediation funds are either lacking or limited. The high costs of dealing with the damages caused by disasters reflect the need to encourage disaster risk reduction, which lies in the strength of efficient disaster management and adaptation planning. The management of disaster risks largely depends on the strength of disaster management policies and strategies to prevent new disaster risks, reduce existing disaster risks, and manage residual risks, contributing to the strengthening of resilience and reduction of disaster losses.

The African Union can be tasked to set up a department to make Africa disaster prepared.

Agriculture Journal IJOEAR Call for Papers

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