Understanding of extreme weather events and disaster risk reduction among students, teachers and school inspectors in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Extreme weather events (EWEs) are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change, posing significant challenges to education systems, particularly in vulnerable countries such as Burkina Faso. Understanding how educational stakeholders perceive and understand these events is essential for developing effective climate change education and disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies. This study assessed the knowledge and understanding of EWEs and DRR among primary school students, teachers, and educational inspectors in Ouagadougou. A cross-sectional survey involving pupils, teachers, and inspectors was conducted using structured questionnaires and interviews. The findings revealed that most students were familiar with floods and droughts and could identify their principal causes and impacts. Teachers and inspectors demonstrated a generally good understanding of climate-related hazards but reported limited access to teaching resources and specialized training on climate change and disaster risk reduction. Despite high awareness levels, important gaps remain regarding adaptation measures, preparedness strategies, and climate resilience. The study recommends strengthening climate education programmes, enhancing teacher training, and developing educational materials adapted to local climatic realities.