The use of ICT in Disaster Risk Management: A Case Study of Nema Borno State

Abstract

The survey examined the use of ICT in disaster risk management a case study of NEMA
Borno state. The objectives of the study are: to ascertain the use and level of application of
ICTs for disaster risk management, to Identify the types of ICT NEMA uses for disaster risk
management, assess the specific areas of ICT application for disaster risk management, to
examine the effectiveness of effective of the use of ICT in disaster risk management, to
Identify the challenges in the application of ICT for disaster risk management in NEMA. The
study was situated within diffusion of innovation theory and reviewed related literature
thematically. The entire staffs of NEMA (90) formed the population of the study. Purposive
sampling technique was used in selecting 60 samples out of the population for analysis as it
is needless and time wasting to study the whole population. The study found that NEMA like
any other disaster risk management agencies globally is not left out in the effort towards
adopting and utilization of ICT in disaster risk management in its own domain. Some of the
ICT facilities such as digital camera, Computer and mobile phones have gained effective
penetration in terms of utilization by the Agency for disaster risk management. Interestingly,
even sophisticated technology like the GIS is been used by the Agency, which is a positive
development in terms of being up to date facility wise. Although there are several challenges
bedevilling NEMA in effectively utilizing ICT for disaster risk management, the challenges
have not hindered the use of available technology for disaster risk management. This goes to
show that the use of ICT for disaster risk management in the 21st century is a necessity for
purpose of efficiency and timely disaster risk management. Much needs to be done to ensure
that NEMA fully benefits from the several opportunities tied to ICT in disaster risk
management. The study recommends that Government should adequately fund and meet ICT
requirements of NEMA to enable it effectively deploy ICT for disaster risk management. The
agency should constantly train its staff and organise refresher courses for its staff on the
latest ICT and there uses for disaster risk management.