The Beninese government, through the Benin Agency for Civil Protection (Abpc), has initiated a consultation on priority actions to be integrated into the flood risk management plan for the Grand Nokoué region. This move is part of the implementation of ECOWAS' strategy, with Benin serving as the pilot country. The project aims to examine existing flood management mechanisms, identify best practices, and propose improvements that can be useful to other ECOWAS member states.
The consultation, which took place in Abomey-Calavi, brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss the findings of a diagnostic study conducted over several months. The study, which included data collection, interviews, analysis, and field visits, highlighted several vulnerability factors, including difficulties in evacuating rainwater, inadequate drainage, occupation of exposed areas, and modifications to water flows due to urban planning. The experts also observed various manifestations of these risks during field visits to Cotonou, Porto-Novo, and Abomey-Calavi.
The diagnostic study used a simplified flood hazard mapping approach, which was validated by observations collected on the ground. Based on the study's findings, experts recommend strengthening hydrometeorological data, improving early warning systems, and better integrating flood risks into urban planning documents. They also suggest maintaining drainage infrastructure, preparing communes for emergency situations, and raising awareness among the population.
The success of this approach depends on the appropriation of measures by the actors concerned. The proposals must be evaluated in light of local realities to determine the most relevant interventions, responsible structures for their implementation, and necessary monitoring mechanisms. Abdel Hakim Ali, an Abpc agent, emphasized the responsibility of populations in disaster prevention, inviting them to trust civil protection structures and engage more in prevention actions.
The Abpc is coordinating this approach, which aims to strengthen synergies between actors involved in flood prevention and management. The goal is to have an operational plan with clearly defined responsibilities among administrations, territorial authorities, and other stakeholders. The plan will be presented to Beninese authorities, and its results will be shared with representatives of other ECOWAS member states during a forum scheduled for early 2027.
Cyril Gourraud, project manager and flood risk management expert at Sepia Conseil, noted that the workshop marks the final phase of the project, with the objective of developing an action program adapted to the realities of the Grand Nokoué. A first restitution of the diagnostic study was organized via videoconference on October 16, and the experts are now working to finalize the plan.
The pilot project is expected to contribute to the development of a regional approach to flood risk management, with ECOWAS aiming to share best practices and lessons learned among its member states. The project's outcomes will also inform the development of policies and strategies for disaster risk reduction and management in the region.
Key points
- The pilot project aims to strengthen flood risk management in the Grand Nokoué region and provide a model for other ECOWAS member states.
- The project is financed by the World Bank and the European Union, and is being implemented in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
- The project's success depends on the appropriation of measures by local actors, including populations, administrations, and territorial authorities.
