Improving Infrastructure Resilience in Developing Regions: Addressing Climate Risks and Natural Disasters in Africa
Victor Onome Sodje
*
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.
Isaac Tolulope Emmanuel
Department of Marine Science and Technology, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.
Hassan Taiwo Abdulrasaq
Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
Aliu Afeez Atanda
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.
Chukwudi Anthony Nwankwo
Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
Ebuka Stephen Ifionu
Department of Civil Engineering, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Elizabeth Mawutor Agorku
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Climate change and natural disasters are making Africa’s infrastructure systems increasingly vulnerable, undermining key sectors such as electricity, water, transportation, and sanitation. This paper provides an interdisciplinary synthesis of climate risks, infrastructure weaknesses, and resilience-building strategies in Africa, emphasizing governance, technology, and community-based adaptation. The study explores systemic vulnerabilities exacerbated by rapid urbanization and insufficient investment, while highlighting policy frameworks like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Using case studies from across the continent, the paper identifies successful resilience-building measures and outlines critical research gaps, including the need for digital resilience tools and cross-border frameworks. The article calls for coordinated efforts to integrate resilience into sustainable infrastructure development, focusing on region-specific solutions and long-term policy alignment with the SDGs.
Keywords: Climate change, natural disasters, infrastructure vulnerability, resilience strategies, Africa