The youth-driven initiative “Water from a Rock” in South Africa has been selected from over 30 submissions to address flood preparedness in vulnerable communities. This project, supported by the Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM) and the Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP), highlights the role of young people in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Water from a rock: South Africa’s effort to build flood preparedness
Flooding remains one of Africa’s most devastating natural disasters. The 2023 collapse of two dams in Libya led to the loss of over 11,000 lives, while floods across the continent, including in South Africa, continue to cause significant damage. The “Water from a Rock” initiative, led by YouthMappers at the University of Pretoria, aims to address this challenge by empowering young people and local communities.
The project focuses on raising awareness, mapping vulnerable communities, and developing a geofencing-based app to alert residents entering high-risk flood zones. YouthMappers have already mapped key areas, such as the Umgeni River and Tongaat, and developed educational resources to prepare communities for flood events.
Despite facing challenges like limited computing resources, the project has made significant strides in mapping at-risk zones and creating a flood alert system. The next steps involve expanding the project to include more vulnerable areas in South Africa, ensuring that communities are better prepared for future disasters.
Youth empowerment in climate resilience
This project demonstrates the transformative potential of youth-led initiatives in addressing environmental challenges. By involving young people, “Water from a Rock” has not only enhanced technical outcomes but also fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility in local communities. However, sustaining such projects remains a challenge, with limited access to funding and technology often hindering long-term impact.
To maximize the effectiveness of youth-led efforts, it is essential to provide them with the necessary resources, involve them in decision-making processes, and establish partnerships with institutions that can offer sustained technical and financial support.