Integration of Geospatial Technologies and Participatory Methods for Community-Level Resilience Mapping in Flood-Affected Communities of Anambra State

Community resilience mapping requires the integration of expert spatial analysis with locally held knowledge, yet methodological frameworks that effectively combine geospatial technologies with participatory approaches remain underdeveloped in the Nigerian flood risk management context. This study develops and applies an integrated geospatial-participatory methodology for community resilience mapping in three flood-prone communities of Anambra State: Oguta, Atani, and Onitsha Inland Town. Participatory mapping workshops using GPS-enabled tablets are conducted with community members to capture perceived safe and unsafe zones, social support networks, coping strategies, and community assets. These qualitative spatial data are structured within a GIS framework alongside quantitative hazard exposure data derived from Sentinel-1 flood extent mapping and DEM-based inundation modelling. A composite resilience index integrating hazard exposure, physical asset capacity, social network density, and adaptive capacity indicators is computed at enumeration area level and mapped. Qualitative dimensions of community resilience knowledge are assessed for their accuracy relative to modelled hazard zones, revealing significant local knowledge of micro-topographic features not captured in available DEMs. The study demonstrates methodological convergent validity and produces spatially differentiated resilience maps that are validated by community leaders and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency. Keywords: community resilience, participatory mapping, flood, Anambra State, GIS integration.