Digital resilience practices in the face of flood risks in the Abidjan district (Côte d'Ivoire)
The aim of this research is to understand how digital tools contribute to people’s resilience to flood risks in the Abidjan district.
Humanitarian and social context and challenges
Due to its rapid urbanisation and exposure to climate change, Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire, is increasingly at risk of flooding. With recurrent torrential rains affecting infrastructure and people’s daily lives, it is becoming crucial to examine the resilience of communities in the light of technological and digital developments.
In order to meet the challenges posed by the risk of flooding in Côte d’Ivoire, and Abidjan in particular, it is essential to increase training and awareness of good practices in digital resilience, with a focus on the use of tools and technologies adapted to emergency situations, especially flooding.
The aim of this project is to describe the digital practices that make it possible to anticipate and manage flood crises, while involving the local population in these processes.
The main objectives are to:
- Describe the digital resilience practices implemented on the Internet (websites, social networks, etc.) during flood crises;
- Identify the social representations that the people of Abidjan have of the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in flood crisis management;
- Propose a tool for strengthening resilience practices during flood crises, taking into account the opportunities offered by the digital ecosystem.
How does digital technology contribute to people’s resilience to flood risks in the Abidjan district?
Research field and methodology
The methodological approach of this project is exclusively qualitative and aims to explore in depth the digital practices of resilience to flood risks in the Abidjan district. It focuses on understanding the social dynamics, perceptions and strategies adopted by the local population to cope with flood risks. A non-participant observation survey will be conducted on digital platforms. This will be complemented by in-depth interviews with key actors (website administrators, local officials, NGO representatives, users of digital tools, etc.) and a documentary analysis of existing digital initiatives. The project focuses on the city of Abidjan, with a particular emphasis on the communes most vulnerable to flooding, such as Cocody, Yopougon, Williamsville and Marcory.
The scientific value of the research for humanitarian and social actors
This research is of interest to humanitarian and social actors in several ways. By studying the digital practices of the people of Abidjan in the face of the floods, we can identify their specific needs in terms of information, warning and support. This will allow us to tailor humanitarian and social interventions more effectively.
Secondly, by promoting the use of digital technologies, the research helps to strengthen the capacity of communities to cope with natural disasters and to become actors in their own safety by being better informed and prepared.
Finally, this research can facilitate coordination between the different actors involved in flood risk management (local authorities, humanitarian organisations, civil society) by identifying best practices and possible synergies.
The scientific interest of this research lies in exploring digital practices as levers of resilience in the face of flood risks, a major issue for coastal cities such as Abidjan. While previous studies have often focused on traditional disaster management, this project brings an innovative perspective by integrating digital technologies and community dynamics. By analysing how these tools can strengthen crisis preparedness and response, this research contributes to the body of knowledge on urban resilience, while providing practical recommendations for decision-makers and local stakeholders.
Biography
Khan KOUAME holds a PhD in Communication Sciences from the Université Alassane Ouattara (Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire). He is a teacher and researcher at the Department of Language and Communication Sciences (DSLC) of the University Alassane Ouattara (UAO) and a member of the CAMES Thematic Research Programme on Governance and Development (PTR-GD). His research interests include communication and organisational representation, resilience and humanitarian issues, with a particular focus on the impact of communication and social dynamics.