New case-study: “Strengthening community-led anticipatory action in Mnyamani Ward, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania”

New CartONG case-study focused on empowering local actors to take an active role in disaster preparedness through participatory data collection, mapping flood-prone areas, and leveraging technological solutions like the DarMAERT dashboard.

Flooding presents significant challenges for residents of Mnyamani Ward, Dar es Salaam. The risks are heightened by poor drainage systems, rapid urbanization, and socio-economic vulnerabilities. To address these issues, CartONG partnered with Open Map Development Tanzania (OMDTZ), with funding from the H2H Fund, to pilot an innovative project. This initiative aimed to strengthen community-led anticipatory actions, empowering residents to better prepare for and respond to flooding events.

By combining local knowledge with advanced tools, the project sought to enhance flood preparedness, streamline early warning systems, and improve coordination among stakeholders. Find here the full case-study, and below the list of the last CartONG case-study findings and leassons learned :

Community Engagement 

  • Despite initial mistrust towards disaster management authorities, the project successfully mobilized community participation. Forty residents and ten community leaders were trained in data collection, participatory mapping, and disaster preparedness techniques. 
  • Community members actively contributed to identifying flood-prone areas, monitoring drainage conditions, and reporting vulnerabilities in real time. 

Data Challenges 

  • The absence of real-time monitoring tools, such as water-level sensors, limited the accuracy of flood warnings. 
  • Discrepancies between official data and ground realities highlighted the importance of involving communities in data validation to ensure reliability. 
  • While technical tools like Survey123 were effective, limited access to devices and training constrained the scale of data collection. 

Technology Integration 

  • The DarMAERT dashboard consolidated critical flood risk data, combining community-reported information with predictive analytics and real-time meteorological data. 
  • The dashboard’s features, such as heatmaps, evacuation routes, and historical flood trends, significantly improved flood risk visualization and informed timely interventions. 

Coordination Between Stakeholders 

The project fostered collaboration among local authorities, emergency responders, and technical experts. However, fragmented communication channels and unclear role definitions occasionally hindered timely responses. 

Regular joint planning sessions improved coordination and ensured that community voices were reflected in disaster preparedness strategies. 

Lessons Learned 

  • Empowering Local Ownership Is Essential 

Involving communities in planning, data collection, and decision-making fosters a sense of ownership and trust. When local actors take an active role, disaster preparedness plans become more accurate and context-specific. 

  • Combining Technology with Local Knowledge 

Technological tools like the DarMAERT dashboard become more effective when enriched by community-reported data. This integration ensures that disaster risk management strategies address real, on-the-ground challenges. 

  • Continuous Capacity Building Is Critical 

Ongoing training for community members, leaders, and local responders enhances their ability to contribute to disaster preparedness efforts and use anticipatory action tools effectively. 

  • Collaboration Improves Impact 

Strong coordination between stakeholders reduces duplication of efforts and maximizes resource allocation. Regular communication and clearly defined roles are essential for successful disaster response. 

  • Sustainability Requires Local Networks 

The establishment of Community of Practice (CoP) networks through platforms like WhatsApp ensures ongoing engagement, real-time updates, and peer learning. These networks empower communities to sustain disaster preparedness efforts beyond project timelines. 

  • Flexibility and Adaptability Are Key 

Projects must remain responsive to evolving challenges, such as mistrust, data gaps, and technological barriers. Adjusting strategies based on community feedback ensures continued relevance and impact. 

This case study highlights how participatory approaches, combined with innovative technologies, can transform disaster risk reduction efforts. By placing communities at the center and leveraging their knowledge alongside predictive tools, this project offers a replicable model for enhancing resilience in flood-prone regions worldwide. 

Partners of the project