Digital technologies for climate-induced disaster risk reduction and management in Ghana: Applicability and operational challenges

Abstract

The occurrence of natural disasters has intensified over the past two decades in African cities with devastating consequences on people and properties. Despite the emergence of improved development of digital technologies (DTs) for disaster risk identification and management, their development and application in Africa largely remain unclear. This study explored the applicability and challenges associated with using DTs in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) efforts in building resilient cities. Adopting a qualitative research approach, data were gathered through interviews with eight purposively selected national disaster-relevant agencies. It was found that Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) were predominantly used along the three major stages of DRRM. Barriers such as poor internet connectivity, susceptibility to cyberattacks, power outages, financial constraints, low technical expertise and training, and absence of institutional dedication to the existing framework for the use of DTs in DRRM interventions, among others, were however mentioned to impede the safety, the comfortability, dependability, user-friendliness and communicative use of the technologies for DRRM efforts in urban Ghana. The study concludes that due to rapid urbanization and rising intensity in the occurrence and impacts of disasters, prioritizing the development of resilient cities through emphasizing the necessity of digital technologies is paramount.