Can flood survivors’ stories make climate science better?

Floods, cyclones and droughts can leave people experiencing anxiety, depression and lasting trauma, but surveys struggle to capture these emotional impacts. The Wema project, a research initiative studying how extreme weather events caused by climate change affect mental health in Africa, has trained 37 community members from South Africa, Kenya, Mozambique and Burkina Faso to create digital stories.

These stories, a combination of words and artwork, serve as evidence to inform policy and future research on the topic. By analyzing these personal narratives, researchers aim to fill the knowledge gap left by traditional scientific measurements. The project, known as Wema, is a transdisciplinary effort involving various backgrounds, including climate scientists, epidemiologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, social scientists, government officials and community members.

Community researchers, paid for their work, have shared their experiences and helped the team find answers and shape future directions. While scientists measure rainfall, map flooding, record deaths and injuries, and estimate mental health impacts, personal experiences provide valuable insights into the emotional and psychological effects of extreme weather.

These stories help researchers understand the different ways people cope, recover and seek support after such events. By combining large-scale surveys with personal stories and artworks, the Wema project aims to create a more comprehensive picture of how climate change impacts mental health in vulnerable populations across Africa.