In the face of natural disasters, the efforts towards supporting affected communities around the world are crucial to environmental safety, wellbeing and effective handling of the aftermath of such occurrences. Dealing with the problems of disaster management also requires the adoption of practical measures to positively impact society through humanitarian interventions.

To avoid or mitigate the effects of a natural disaster like flooding, community engagement and participation by stakeholders can help to increase awareness and motivate people to take precautions to protect lives and properties. The effectiveness and sustainability of flood mitigation techniques can be increased by involving communities in the planning as well as execution phases.

In 2022, Nigeria experienced its most devastating flood to date, affecting several states and resulting in the destruction of homes, farms, and infrastructure, further leading to displacement of residents and loss of lives.

The excessive flow of water from the Lagdo Dam in Northern Cameroon was released into Nigeria through the River Benue, causing harm to the neighboring communities. The floods damaged over 300,000 houses and an estimated 569,251 hectares of farmland, causing affected households to lose food sources and income. This disaster prompted many organizations, including The Coca-Cola Foundation, to step in and offer humanitarian aid to affected communities, including The Coca-Cola Foundation.

The Coca-Cola Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company, has a long history of supporting communities around the world and is committed to a charitable giving strategy that makes a difference in communities around the world, particularly in areas where the company operates. Speaking on itstheir commitment, TCCF President Saadia Madsberg said, “ours is a long standing commitment to do what we can, where we can, to improve the lives of those who have been negatively impacted by these unfortunate but natural occurring events.

We will do our part, leveraging key stakeholders and the expertise available, partnering where we are able to, to ensure that lives and livelihoods are preserved.The Coca-Cola Foundation maintains a steadfast dedication to aiding communities adversely affected by natural disasters. By supporting nonprofit organizations and harnessing the knowledge of crucial stakeholders, we help safeguard lives and sustain livelihoods in these challenging times.

When the floods hit in 2022, The Coca-Cola Foundation recognized the urgent need to help those affected and set up a mitigation strategy that birthed “Operation Ladder”, a comprehensive disaster relief program to provide assistance and support to flood victims and communities, in two of the affected states; Anambra and Delta States.

Implemented by Whitefield Foundation (WFF), a non-profit organization, the project was funded by a $175,000 grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation and tagged “Operation Ladder” meaning “Laugh at Deluge, Drink, Eat and Rejuvenate” because it sought to helpsupport 30,000 individuals (who make up 5,000 households) in the affected communities climb out of the difficult situation caused by the floods.
In the immediate aftermath of the project, over 8,700 households; 52,554 individuals and 78 communities across 12 LGAs received nutritional, and WASH supplies, alongside medical assistance to 5,000 households in the affected areas of Delta and Anambra States. The program also provided clean water and sanitation facilities to help prevent the spread of disease in the communities, accompanied by seedlings to 2,800 small-holder farmers, wherein 80% of them were women, in a bid to restore their means of sustenance.

In the longer term, Operation Ladder focused on helping communities rebuild and recover. The program provided funding and resources for rebuilding homes and infrastructure, as well as for restarting businesses and livelihoods.
One of the key objectives of Operation Ladder was to empower communities to become more resilient in the face of future disasters. The program included training and education initiatives aimed at equipping people with the skills and knowledge they need to prepare for and respond to future emergencies.

Speaking about the impact of the programme, Funmi Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Whitefield Foundation (WFF), stated, “Operation Ladder has been a true testament to the power of collaboration and the impact that can be made when we come together to support those in need. Through this, we have been able to provide critical support and assistance to thousands of people who were affected by the devastating floods in 2022”.

For two months, the Operation LADDER relief project was implemented with stakeholder engagements targeted at the relevant government agencies such as the State Emergency Management Agency in Delta and Anambra States, local authorities such as chairpersons and community leaders, while also working with women leaders.

The relief materials were distributed directly in the communities through a three-pronged strategy of Identify, Distribute and Partner (IDP) involving major stakeholders including local government chairpersons, monarchs, religious and community leaders, and the women's groups.
In Delta State, however, the intervention was concentrated in four LGAs; Isoko South, Ughelli North, Ndokwa East, and Oshimili South where the relief items were distributed at the community and local government levels over three weeks.

The relief intervention included 700,000 high-yield cassava stems/seedlings which are estimated to cover the cultivation of 490-560 acres of farmland to produce 3,120-3,580 tons of cassava tubers and reproduce an estimated 5,600,000 to 8,400,000 high yield stems for farming by the next planting season.

Speaking to the project’s significance, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Nigeria stated, “Through Operation Ladder, we were able to provide not just immediate relief, but also long-term support and assistance to help affected communities rebuild and recover. One of the most rewarding aspects of the project has been seeing the resilience and determination of the communities we have been working with and the positive impact that our support has had on their lives".
She further explained, "Our investment in Operation Ladder has been a true demonstration of The Coca-Cola Foundation's commitment to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate, and we are proud of the results we have achieved”.

The Coca-Cola Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in communities around the world where The Coca-Cola Company operates and where our employees live and work. We support transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and that leave a measurable and lasting impact. Our giving is focused on sustainable access to safe water, climate resilience and disaster risk preparedness and response, circular economy, economic empowerment, and causes impacting our hometown community. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded grants of over $1.5 billion in service of its mandate to strengthen communities across the world.

Since its inception in 1984, the foundation has been committed to supporting sustainable community initiatives worldwide by investing over $1.5B in areas such as water stewardship, women's economic empowerment, and environmental protection. By partnering with local organizations and leveraging the strengths of the Coca-Cola system, the foundation aims to create lasting positive impact and foster thriving, resilient communities where the company operates.