Mapping risk and vulnerability hotspots in the COMESA region

Abstract

The socio-economic condition in most COMESA countries is characterised by persistent high poverty levels and low food security. This is further compounded by the susceptibility of agriculture to climatic variability and other hazards as well as the vulnerability of impoverished and malnourished households to HIV/AIDS, market shocks and prolonged violent conflict. One of the biggest challenges governments in Africa face, with notably few exceptions, is the lack of sufficient financial and human resources to undertake the required action when disaster arises. This starts from the inability to address the underlying causes of disasters, including recurrent poverty that stifles household resilience (NEPAD, 2007).