OVERVIEW
Southern Africa faces numerous natural hazard events each year, including drought, floods, and cyclones, the effects of which can create or heighten humanitarian crises, such as acute food insecurity and malnutrition. Such disasters present significant challenges to vulnerable populations who often lack access to basic services and the resources necessary to cope with crises. In addition, environmental degradation, slow economic growth, and limited government capacity frequently compound existing vulnerabilities and exacerbate the impact of disasters in the region. In FY 2013, as in previous years, USAID/OFDA not only responded to urgent needs resulting from disasters, but also funded DRR programs that bolstered the ability of communities to prepare for and mitigate potential emergencies.
USAID/OFDA’s FY 2013 DRR activities in Southern Africa focused on instituting early warning systems for floods and cyclones, strengthening agricultural livelihoods to mitigate the effects of drought and food insecurity, and managing environmental health concerns to reduce the incidence of waterborne disease. USAID/OFDA funding also promoted efforts to build national and regional capacity for risk management and to create connections among DRR actors within local, regional, and international civil society organizations operating throughout the region