The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), in collaboration with the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has stressed the need to translate flood forecasts into practical community knowledge to improve disaster preparedness and protect livelihoods across the country.

The organisations stated that improving public understanding of flood risks was critical not only for disaster preparedness, but also for safeguarding agriculture, rural livelihoods and food security in Nigeria.

In a statement announcing a nationwide dissemination, training and sensitisation programme on the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), HEDA noted that farmers remain among the groups worst affected by annual flooding.

According to the organisation, repeated losses to farmlands, fisheries, livestock, storage facilities and transportation routes continue to contribute significantly to food insecurity and economic hardship.

The sensitisation programme, scheduled to hold virtually tomorrow and Wednesday, is aimed at strengthening public understanding of flood risks, improving preparedness and supporting early action across vulnerable communities in Nigeria.

The two-day virtual programme will bring together participants from the six geopolitical zones, including farmers, agricultural cooperatives, community leaders, media professionals, civil society organisations, researchers, humanitarian actors and officials from Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, Water Resources and Emergency Management Agencies.

HEDA stated that the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to simplify and disseminate flood forecast information in ways that are practical, accessible and useful to communities affected by recurring floods and climate-related disasters.

According to the organisation, the programme is designed to help participants understand flood-prone areas, possible impacts within their regions and practical preparedness measures that can reduce losses before and during the rainy season.

HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Mr Sulaimon Arigbabu, said many communities still do not receive flood prediction information in ways they can understand or act upon.

“Every year, flood predictions are released, but many communities still do not receive the information in ways they can understand or act upon. This programme is about simplifying the Annual Flood Outlook and ensuring that farmers, local institutions, media organisations, and communities are better prepared ahead of the peak rainfall period,” he said.

The organisation added that the sessions would be delivered in Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Pidgin and English to ensure wider participation and understanding across the country.

HEDA also called on media organisations, particularly radio stations and community broadcasters, to participate actively in the programme.

According to the organisation, the media plays a major role in translating and disseminating flood information to rural communities with limited access to digital platforms and official reports.

The organisation maintained that journalists, broadcasters and media practitioners must understand the Annual Flood Outlook well enough to communicate flood risks responsibly, accurately and consistently before disasters occur.

The programme will cover areas including interpretation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook, flood risk communication, early warning dissemination, protection of farmlands and livelihoods, community preparedness measures and coordinated response planning at community and institutional levels.

HEDA further urged state Ministries of Agriculture, Environment and Water Resources, Emergency Management Agencies, local governments, civil society groups and community-based organisations to support wider dissemination of the flood outlook within their communities.