ABSTRACT
Climate change has adverse effects on weather patterns and increases the severity and frequency of disasters like droughts and floods. These disasters have a detrimental impact on agricultural production and food security in Africa, thus posing a significant threat to livelihoods in the region. The continuous incidence and effects of disasters and emergencies are undeniable. As outlined in the World Economic Forum’s 2020 World Risk Report (WRR), extreme weather events, failure to adapt to climate change and natural disasters are forecast in the top five risks faced by humanity within the next ten years. With the increase in the scale, frequency and intensity of disasters, the need to have clear norms to manage disasters efficiently and effectively is evident. Through an assessment of the gradual development of IDRL in Africa, this chapter examines how legal frameworks impact disaster management in Africa at regional, sub-regional and national levels. It illustrates that the formulation of comprehensive legal frameworks needs prioritization in Africa’s disaster preparedness policy agenda. Also, how legal frameworks can support humanitarian aid’s localization while ensuring access to well-balanced international relief support in line with Pan-African ideals is discussed.
