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.