In the small village of Ogba-Ojibo in central Nigeria, located at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, Ako Prince Omali, a 27-year-old subsistence farmer, is observing the steps leading down to the river Niger. Due to recent heavy rains, only four of the seven steps remain visible above the water, causing concern for the villagers who rely on the river for fishing and washing. With flooding being a common occurrence in Kogi State, where 4.5 million people reside, Omali has experienced the devastating effects firsthand, with his farmland being completely submerged. The yearly floods have forced him and his family to relocate to higher ground for several months, disrupting their lives and livelihoods. Despite the challenges, Omali remains hopeful after learning about a new programme initiated by GiveDirectly, which provides cash assistance to flood-prone communities before disaster strikes, enabling them to better prepare and recover. With the help of AI technology, organizations like Google are also working to predict and respond to natural disasters more effectively, offering hope for vulnerable communities like Ogba-Ojibo in Nigeria.
