Responding to Floods in West Africa: Lessons from Evaluation

1.1 There are many differences between the current West African floods and other floods
and emergencies elsewhere in Africa, and globally – in their intensity, geographical
coverage, and the effects on people and the economy. Yet there are insights that can be
gleaned from other experiences. This note assembles some of the evaluative experience
relevant to the flood recovery program in West Africa.

1.2 Factors making a crucial difference to the effectiveness of actions include the nature
of the immediate response, diagnosis, project design and supervision, use of local capacity,
private sector links, and coordination among partners, including within the World Bank
Group. The evaluations of past flood prevention and rehabilitation in Africa and elsewhere,
adapted to the current situation, offer useful lessons to help inform efforts to design an
effective response.