Disaster risk management remains a significant challenge in Benue State, Nigeria, with communities experiencing frequent disasters, displacement, and loss of livelihoods. Despite the efforts of government agencies and non-governmental organizations, the existing disaster risk management strategies have been criticized for being top-down, ineffective, and unsustainable. The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) has been accused of being reactive rather than proactive in its approach to disaster risk management, with a focus on providing relief materials after the disaster rather than supporting community-based initiatives (CBIs) that promote community resilience.

This study aimed to assess the roles of CBIs in enhancing community participation in disaster risk reduction in Benue State, investigate the impact of BSEMA’s support on the effectiveness of CBIs, find out the challenges faced by BSEMA, and identify strategies for strengthening CBIs in disaster risk management. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. A structured questionnaire was administered to 1200 respondents, while Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with 30 stakeholders.

The results showed a lack of community engagement and participation in CBIs in Benue State. The survey results reveal a concerning lack of support from BSEMA for CBIs in Benue State. Also, they revealed that BSEMA has faced many challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of capacity, and poor community engagement.

The study recommends that the Benue State Government and other stakeholders provide support for CBIs, build the capacity of community members, and promote community engagement and participation in disaster risk management. The study contributes to the understanding of CBIs in disaster risk management and provides insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers.