Does a Citizen Science Approach Enhance the Effectiveness of Flood Early Warning Systems? Evidence from the Akaki Catchment, Ethiopia
Flooding has emerged as a significant concern in the Akaki catchment area of Ethiopia, affecting settlements and properties. Early warning systems (EWSs) are implemented to reduce flood risks, but power dynamics among at-risk communities and stakeholders have raised concerns about the reliable acces...
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| Format: | Article |
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Ubiquity Press
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Citizen Science: Theory and Practice |
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| Online Access: | https://account.theoryandpractice.citizenscienceassociation.org/index.php/up-j-cstp/article/view/763 |
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| author | Likimyelesh Nigussie Tilaye Worku Bekele Alemseged Tamiru Haile Anna Mdee Alan Nicol Joshua Cohen Charity Osei-Amponsah Hailay Zeray Tedla Kirubel Demissie |
| author_facet | Likimyelesh Nigussie Tilaye Worku Bekele Alemseged Tamiru Haile Anna Mdee Alan Nicol Joshua Cohen Charity Osei-Amponsah Hailay Zeray Tedla Kirubel Demissie |
| author_sort | Likimyelesh Nigussie |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Flooding has emerged as a significant concern in the Akaki catchment area of Ethiopia, affecting settlements and properties. Early warning systems (EWSs) are implemented to reduce flood risks, but power dynamics among at-risk communities and stakeholders have raised concerns about the reliable accessibility of warning information. We integrated a citizen science approach into existing flood EWSs to promote inclusivity, local perspectives, and equitable expertise distribution in flood early warning. It draws on primary data collected through diverse methods, alongside an extensive review of documents from the years 2021 to 2022. The analysis of qualitative data indicates the integration of citizen science into a flood EWSs delivers dependable early warning information and encourages the establishment of networks. This approach reduces dependence on external entities, enhances local decision-making capabilities, and promotes a sense of ownership, empowerment, and trust. This can transform the dynamics and responsibilities linked to flood management. However, the longer-term participation of citizen scientists in flood EWSs is challenging due to the disparity between commitment levels and benefits, lack of legal frameworks, and insufficient recognition of community diversity within policy frameworks. The research herein emphasizes the significance of understanding power dynamics and institutional capacities in integrating citizen science into flood EWSs. It offers valuable perspectives for policymakers, practitioners, and communities on participatory governance, social equity, and the resilience of communities in the face of environmental challenges. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-574ada4a76d14e6a88c874438feff288 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2057-4991 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | Ubiquity Press |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Citizen Science: Theory and Practice |
| spelling | doaj-art-574ada4a76d14e6a88c874438feff2882025-08-20T02:55:54ZengUbiquity PressCitizen Science: Theory and Practice2057-49912025-02-011019910.5334/cstp.763745Does a Citizen Science Approach Enhance the Effectiveness of Flood Early Warning Systems? Evidence from the Akaki Catchment, EthiopiaLikimyelesh Nigussie0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6380-743XTilaye Worku Bekele1Alemseged Tamiru Haile2https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8647-2188Anna Mdee3https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8260-1840Alan Nicol4https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7237-8825Joshua Cohen5https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8743-2233Charity Osei-Amponsah6https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0135-0489Hailay Zeray Tedla7https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7538-0907Kirubel Demissie8https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3108-2728International Water Management Institute, Addis AbabaInternational Water Management Institute, Addis Ababa; Water Technology Institute, Arba Minch University, Arba MinchInternational Water Management Institute, Addis AbabaSchool of Politics & International Studies, University of LeedsInternational Water Management Institute, Addis AbabaSchool of Politics & International Studies, University of LeedsInternational Water Management Institute, AccraWater and Environmental Engineering, Department of built environment, Aalto University, EspooInternational Water Management Institute, Addis AbabaFlooding has emerged as a significant concern in the Akaki catchment area of Ethiopia, affecting settlements and properties. Early warning systems (EWSs) are implemented to reduce flood risks, but power dynamics among at-risk communities and stakeholders have raised concerns about the reliable accessibility of warning information. We integrated a citizen science approach into existing flood EWSs to promote inclusivity, local perspectives, and equitable expertise distribution in flood early warning. It draws on primary data collected through diverse methods, alongside an extensive review of documents from the years 2021 to 2022. The analysis of qualitative data indicates the integration of citizen science into a flood EWSs delivers dependable early warning information and encourages the establishment of networks. This approach reduces dependence on external entities, enhances local decision-making capabilities, and promotes a sense of ownership, empowerment, and trust. This can transform the dynamics and responsibilities linked to flood management. However, the longer-term participation of citizen scientists in flood EWSs is challenging due to the disparity between commitment levels and benefits, lack of legal frameworks, and insufficient recognition of community diversity within policy frameworks. The research herein emphasizes the significance of understanding power dynamics and institutional capacities in integrating citizen science into flood EWSs. It offers valuable perspectives for policymakers, practitioners, and communities on participatory governance, social equity, and the resilience of communities in the face of environmental challenges.https://account.theoryandpractice.citizenscienceassociation.org/index.php/up-j-cstp/article/view/763citizen sciencecommunity-based flood early warning systemdisaster risk managementpower dynamicsakaki catchment areaethiopia |
| spellingShingle | Likimyelesh Nigussie Tilaye Worku Bekele Alemseged Tamiru Haile Anna Mdee Alan Nicol Joshua Cohen Charity Osei-Amponsah Hailay Zeray Tedla Kirubel Demissie Does a Citizen Science Approach Enhance the Effectiveness of Flood Early Warning Systems? Evidence from the Akaki Catchment, Ethiopia Citizen Science: Theory and Practice citizen science community-based flood early warning system disaster risk management power dynamics akaki catchment area ethiopia |
| title | Does a Citizen Science Approach Enhance the Effectiveness of Flood Early Warning Systems? Evidence from the Akaki Catchment, Ethiopia |
| title_full | Does a Citizen Science Approach Enhance the Effectiveness of Flood Early Warning Systems? Evidence from the Akaki Catchment, Ethiopia |
| title_fullStr | Does a Citizen Science Approach Enhance the Effectiveness of Flood Early Warning Systems? Evidence from the Akaki Catchment, Ethiopia |
| title_full_unstemmed | Does a Citizen Science Approach Enhance the Effectiveness of Flood Early Warning Systems? Evidence from the Akaki Catchment, Ethiopia |
| title_short | Does a Citizen Science Approach Enhance the Effectiveness of Flood Early Warning Systems? Evidence from the Akaki Catchment, Ethiopia |
| title_sort | does a citizen science approach enhance the effectiveness of flood early warning systems evidence from the akaki catchment ethiopia |
| topic | citizen science community-based flood early warning system disaster risk management power dynamics akaki catchment area ethiopia |
| url | https://account.theoryandpractice.citizenscienceassociation.org/index.php/up-j-cstp/article/view/763 |
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