Rethinking roles of local non-governmental organizations (LNGO) in managing disaster risks in historic neighborhoods: Experiences from the city of lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are taking up an increasing role in the management of disaster risks within historic neighborhoods; yet, loss of historic sites due to disasters is increasing. Local Non-Governmental Organizations (LNGOs) usually collaborate with international Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) and the government to conduct post-disaster interventions within the ‘affected’ neighborhoods. In this context, the question arises that how LNGOs can contribute to making the neighborhoods around historic sites prepared to face any disaster. This chapter, therefore, examines the participation of LNGOs in addressing disaster risks before, during and after disaster events, especially flooding and coastal storm within historic neighborhoods focusing on Lagos, one of the vulnerable cities in Nigeria and where diverse historic sites are located. A quantitative survey of LNGO staffs and local community leaders was conducted to collect data and information, focusing on disaster risk reduction interventions and community perception towards LNGO interventions. The analysis focused mainly on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the interventions implemented by the LNGOs. The chapter finds that interventions of LNGOs focused primarily on post-disaster responses rather than pre-disaster planning to address the vulnerabilities of the historic sites and neighborhoods to avert the future damages. The preservation of historic sites within the settlement requires community-driven interventions addressing the concerns of the local people. The chapter concludes that LNGOs need to rethink and refocus their roles and interventions in planning and mitigating risks and assisting communities in preparing for disaster events.