Community Based Disaster Risk Management and Hazard Mitigation in Onitsha North and South Local Government Areas in Anambra State, Nigeria

There has been an increase in the frequency and enormity of both natural and human-induced calamities in Nigeria, and this underscore the crucial need for effective and localized strategies for disaster risk management (DRM). This study investigates the role of communities in disaster risk management and hazard mitigation efforts in our area of study. It explores the capacities, limitations, and challenges faced by community responders during emergencies and disasters. Utilizing a content analysis approach and drawing on secondary data, the research is theoretically anchored in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which provides a framework for understanding the intentions and actions of community members in disaster contexts. Findings indicate that community participation in Disaster Risk Management is often informal, unstructured, and inadequately resourced. Notwithstanding the evident willingness of communities to engage in disaster response, a lack of coordination, training, and institutional support hinders effectiveness. The study emphasizes the need for targeted educational programs and training workshops aimed at enhancing local disaster preparedness and response capabilities. Furthermore, it advocates for strengthening the institutional framework supporting community-based DRM through improved funding, policy development, and technical assistance. Building resilient communities requires not only empowering local actors but also integrating them into formal disaster management structures. The study concludes that a systematic, well-supported approach to community engagement can significantly enhance disaster resilience in vulnerable urban settings like Onitsha.