India, Feb. 23 -- Local wisdom and expertise can enhance policies and mechanisms to protect people from the effects of frequent flooding in African coastal cities

In the Lapai Gwari community of Niger state, north central Nigeria, elders predict the weather by observing a large stone in the Chachanga River. The LapanGwagwan stone serves as a tool to determine the frequency of flooding and gauge the severity of rainfall.

When the colour of the stone changes to brown, it signifies an imminent heavy downpour, while a grey colour indicates either light or moderate rainfall.

This traditional knowledge helps the community to prepare for potential flooding.

This is just one example of the indigenous knowledge established in the literature as...