In the village of Ogba-Ojibo in Nigeria, 27-year-old Ako Prince Omali is facing increasing challenges due to seasonal flooding. The Niger River, which is crucial for the villagers’ livelihoods, has been rising at an alarming rate due to climate change. As a subsistence farmer, Omali has seen his farmland submerged, causing financial difficulties for his family.
In response to the worsening flooding, innovative programs are being implemented to help communities like Ogba-Ojibo prepare for disasters in advance. GiveDirectly, a US nonprofit, is using AI to predict floods, enabling them to distribute cash to residents before disaster strikes. This program has already helped 53 individuals in Kogi State, with plans to support 4,500 recipients across 52 communities.
Although the flooding in the region is expected to intensify, with 250,000 people at risk of displacement in Kogi State alone, this new approach aims to provide assistance proactively. By using AI models to forecast floods and provide financial support, organizations like GiveDirectly are working to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on vulnerable communities.
For residents like Omali, these anticipatory payments have provided a lifeline, allowing them to stock up on essentials and make repairs to their homes. Despite the challenges they face during the flood season, the villagers of Ogba-Ojibo remain determined to stay in their homeland, as it is where they have access to their land and livelihoods. Through innovative solutions and community support, residents are working together to adapt to the changing climate and protect their way of life.
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