According to the UN, there has been an increasing trend in the rate and intensity of storms, cyclones, floods, and droughts with extremely high economic costs of damage in many Eastern African countries. That toll is reflected in spiking numbers of people needing humanitarian assistance in sub-Saharan Africa: from 110 million in 2021 to 168 million in 2023.
In 2022, drought caused a severe humanitarian situation that left approximately 32 million people facing stark acute food insecurity in the region, especially in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
Women and children have become 14 times more likely than men to die during natural disasters and crises. This is a result of gender-specific barriers and inequalities that affect the exposure, vulnerability, preparedness, and coping mechanisms of citizens.
Recognising the growing impact of climate change, ARDAA also focuses on researching environmental governance. All climate change crises require robust governance mechanisms to ensure long-term sustainability.
Key research topics include:
Climate Resilience Strategies: Developing governance models that promote climate resilience, especially in rural areas that are dependent on agriculture and vulnerable to changing weather patterns.
Sustainable Resource Management: Studying governance mechanisms for managing natural resources, including forests, water, and biodiversity, with a focus on promoting sustainability and reducing the risk of conflict over resources.
Disaster Risk Management: Proposing policies and frameworks that improve the region’s capacity for disaster preparedness and response, ensuring that governments can mitigate the impact of natural disasters on vulnerable populations.
