Behind every early warning system is a community that knows where it floods, who is vulnerable, and what needs to be done. In this talk, we will share how OpenMap Development Tanzania (OMDTZ) has placed local communities, especially youth, elders, and local leaders, at the heart of anticipatory action using OpenStreetMap (OSM).
We’ll spotlight how trained community mappers contributed to flood preparedness in Dar es Salaam, not just by mapping hazards but by shaping how risk is understood and acted upon. From identifying safe zones to guiding rescue teams, their knowledge became the backbone of local planning.
This session explores how open tools and inclusive engagement can turn vulnerable communities into resilient ones, and first responders, especially in contexts with limited formal warning systems.