Knowledge on the Environmental Disaster Occurrence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The Case of Flooding and Bushfire in Businga Territory, Nord Ubangi

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this research was to assess the knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of victims and stakeholders on environmental disasters occurring in Businga territory. Study Design: This research employed a descriptive study design whereby the characteristics of respondents were described. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Bodangabo, Businga and Karawa sectors of Businga territory in Nord-Ubangi, Democratic Republic of the Congo between January 2016 and December 2017. Methodology: A survey was conducted on 150 respondents among the victims and stakeholders in the prevention and management of environmental disasters in three sectors of Businga territory to whom the semi-structured questionnaire was administered. Results: The findings show that 54% of environmental disasters originate from bushfire and 46% from floods. The bushfire is more evident in the area of Bodangabo and Karawa, while the flood is noticed in the area of Businga precisely in the city, because the ¾ is largely crossed by streams (Likpolo, Lokame, Legbala, Mongala). Thus, 80% of disaster victims are not satisfied with the support. However, 96% of respondents denied the provincial government's contribution, 92% confirmed the total absence of the environmental disaster prevention policy, and 88% confirmed the inefficiency of disaster prevention mode in Businga territory. With regard to the period of onset of disasters, it is clear from this survey that the floods are sporadic and occurring every two or three years compared to the bushfire which is manifested every year. 68% of the difficulties are due to lack of awareness due to insufficient financial resources and 32% to the shortage of qualified personnel for the prevention and management of these disasters. Conclusion: The lack of a policy of prevention and management of environmental disasters both at the provincial and local levels is at the base of this high frequency. Therefore, it is relevant that a provincial body responsible for alerting and advocating to the stakeholders involved in the prevention and management of environmental disasters, to settle in all Businga sectors. Furthermore, it is necessary to install the early warning system as tool of disaster prevention.