Anticipatory Action in Tanzania: local Communities and Authorities better prepared to face floods in Dar es Salaam
About
Description
In 2024, CartONG implemented a pilot project in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in partnership with Open Map Development Tanzania (OMDTZ) and with support from the H2H Fund, to strengthen anticipatory action for flood risk in the Mnyamani Ward. The initiative aimed to place local communities at the center of disaster preparedness by combining participatory data collection with tailored technological tools.
In a flood-prone area where mistrust toward local authorities could limit engagement, the project successfully mobilized community members. Forty residents and ten community leaders were trained in participatory mapping, field data collection, and basic risk management. Together, they identified high-risk areas, monitored drainage systems, and reported vulnerabilities in real time.
The integration of the DarMAERT dashboard, enriched with community-collected data, centralized key information such as heatmaps, evacuation routes, historical flood trends, and real-time weather data. This tool improved coordination among local stakeholders and strengthened early warning and response capacities.
The project also highlighted several challenges, including the absence of water-level sensors, discrepancies between official data and ground realities, and limited access to technology. Regular dialogue sessions between local authorities, emergency services, and community members helped clarify roles and improve coordination.
Key lessons from the project included the importance of local ownership, linking technology with community knowledge, continuous training, and maintaining local networks (e.g., via WhatsApp) to support long-term disaster preparedness. By centering communities in the process, the project demonstrated how participatory approaches and innovative tools can co-create effective, context-specific responses to increasing flood risks.
Case Study
For a detailed analysis of the project, see the full case study: Strengthening community-led anticipatory action in Mnyamani Ward, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
