NAIROBI, Kenya- When it comes to dealing with Mother Nature’s fury, not all African countries are on the same page.
A recent report by African Risk Capacity (ARC) covering 29 African states has revealed striking disparities in per capita expenditure on natural disasters in 2023.
This revelation sheds light on the varying capacities and priorities of different nations when it comes to tackling weather-related catastrophes.
According to a comprehensive whitepaper by African Risk Capacity (ARC), African governments collectively set aside a whopping $2.2 billion (Sh287 billion) for weather-related disasters in 2023.
However, the actual expenditure fell short, amounting to about $1.3 billion (Sh170 billion), with budgeted estimates around $0.9 billion.
Kenya, for instance, made significant efforts by allocating $69.8 million (Sh9.12 billion) towards disaster expenditure.
This initiative was bolstered by the Kenya Drought Response Plan 2023, which managed to raise $361.5 million (Sh47.2 billion) from international humanitarian partners.
The aim was to provide critical assistance in health, education, food security, nutrition, shelter, and WASH to those severely impacted by the drought. Despite this effort, the amount raised was only 80pc of the targeted $451.8 million (Sh59 billion).
The report highlighted a stark contrast between nations. Libya led the pack, spending $75 million (Sh9.8 billion) on compensating its disaster victims, followed by Mauritius at $62 million (Sh8.1 billion), and Burundi at $24 million (Sh3.1 billion)—a significant sum for a low-income economy.
In contrast, other countries spent less than $10 million (Sh1.3 billion) per capita.
On average, the states evaluated spent $93 million (Sh12.2 billion) on weather-related disasters in 2023. This average expenditure points to a significant investment, yet it underscores the economic strain and the varying financial capabilities across the continent.
The human cost of these natural disasters is heartbreaking. Data from the international disaster database (EMDAT) revealed that in 2023 alone, natural disasters in the 29 countries led to the tragic loss of 17,507 lives and affected 10 million people.
The economic damage was equally staggering, with Munich Re estimating total economic losses from weather-related disasters in Africa at $8 billion (Sh1.05 trillion) in 2023.
Two of the most severe events were Storm Daniel in Libya, which caused $1.65 billion (Sh215 billion) in damages, and Tropical Cyclone Freddy in Mozambique, with an economic loss of $1.53 billion (Sh200 billion).
Combined, these events accounted for $3.18 billion (Sh415 billion) in losses and significant fatalities and destruction.
Floods were the most frequent disaster, occurring more often than droughts. However, droughts had a more extensive impact on the population.
For example, in 2014, five recorded drought events affected more than 25 million people, while 20 flood events impacted fewer than one million people. The intensification of heavy rainfall due to deforestation and poor land management practices exacerbated the flood impact.
Understanding the current state of disaster risk management and the inherent challenges is crucial for developing effective response strategies.
As UN Assistant Secretary-General and ARC Group Director General, Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, emphasized, “Understanding the current state of disaster risk management and the challenges and opportunities it presents is crucial in informing effective response strategies.”
In a continent where natural disasters are frequent and devastating, the need for robust disaster management frameworks and international support cannot be overstated.
Africa’s varied spending on disaster management highlights both the progress made and the gaps that still need to be addressed.
