Technologies associated with the 4IR: Applications and challenges for implementation in disaster risk reduction in southern Africa

Abstract

Developing countries face rising inequality, rapid urbanisation, resource depletion, and climate change, which together increase communities’ exposure to disasters. These challenges hamper progress toward global disaster risk reduction and sustainable development targets. This study investigates how Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies are being integrated into disaster risk management (DRM) in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including an online survey of DRM practitioners across SADC (n = 30 respondents). Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to evaluate the uptake of 4IR technologies and identify barriers. The findings reveal low current use of advanced 4IR tools (such as artificial intelligence and drones) in DRM across the SADC region. Key obstacles include limited digital infrastructure, inadequate funding, gaps in technical skills, and the absence of supportive policies. Basic 4IR applications (e.g. internet-based data sharing and cybersecurity) are gradually emerging, but more transformative technologies remain rare. The study provides a baseline assessment of 4IR integration in regional DRM and highlights the need for targeted capacity-building and policy frameworks. It offers original evidence from southern Africa, underscoring the policy relevance of leveraging 4IR innovations to strengthen disaster resilience in a developing regional context.