Flood risk perception, coping and management in two vulnerable communities in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

Flooding has become an imminent and disruptive threat in many cities around the world. In developing/emerging economies, cities are often more vulnerable to the impacts of flooding. For example, in Accra, Ghana, recently over 150 people perished in a flash flood. The high casualty rate was a consequence of the lack of a well-developed integrated flood risk management plan and exacerbated by weak institutions, slums, urban sprawl and informal land / property management. To this effect, high risk countries like Ghana are in need of urgent development of systematic mitigation measures to engender community resilience (CS). Using the combined qualitative technique of Phenomenological Studies (PS) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), the flood risk perception, coping and management strategies of two vulnerable communities in the second largest city of Ghana, Kumasi are examined and evaluated for evidence of a sense of community resilience through social responsibility. The findings suggest that the two urban communities are aware they are at high risk to flooding and live in a constant state of anxiety during the wet seasons. However, there is no evidence of any systematic coping and management strategies and the communities feel there is nothing they can do without government support. It is suggested that government should use the leverage of local government practices to help engender a stronger sense of community empowerment and involvement towards building resilient communities that can respond to flooding through perceptions, social responsibility and appropriate public relation models.

Resilience to climate change in Ghanaian cities and its implications for urban policy and planning

“…At least given the fact that youths constitute a majority of the population, their roles cannot be underestimated. Besides, at the community level, research shows that raising public awareness and dialogue with communities members on climate change will strengthen urban resilience (Ahadzie et al 2016;Ahadzie and Proverbs 2010). This will enlighten people to develop new knowledge and adopt behaviours that will increase their resilience against the impact of climate change (Amoako 2018).…”

“…It takes media to uncover the situation for the responsible authority to react. Other research shows that due to limited insurance coverage, weak financial capital and social networks, few households are able to recover after the disaster (Aboakye 2012; Ahadzie et al 2016). In this context, the development of the capacity of institutions to provide greater protection, the introduction of flood insurance schemes for residential properties and businesses, reliable early warnings systems and effective post-disaster coordination for urban citizens are crucial elements to enhancing the resilience of the Ghanaian cities against disasters.…”

“…Through the partnership, the governments, international organisations and donor agencies have, for example, provided disaster victims with relief materials (GFDRR 2020). While this is a good step, many communities are not empowered to contribute to disaster prevention (Ahadzie et al 2016). Due to the limited external support, some communities, through social networks, political alliances and sense of place, continue to re-structure housing units, construct communal drains, create local evacuation teams and safe havens to adapt to disaster (Amoako 2018).…”

“…In terms of coping with flood, Ahadzie et al (2016) indicate that apart from monthly community work for clearing open drains and filling gullies with large stones, there are no community or individual initiatives to lessen flooding effects. Despite frequent floods in the communities, there is no flood risk management plan at the community level.…”

“…The United Nations report indicates that natural hazards-induced disasters have caused cumulative damage of about US$ 13.1 billion, affected 223 million people and killed more than 92,000 people (UNISDR 2012a). Moreover, urban disasters have recently escalated rapidly in the last two decades, leading to a growing global interest in building urban resilience (Chinh et al 2016;UNISDR 2012a;Wamsler 2014;Ahadzie et al 2016;Chinh et al 2016). For instance, the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and communities, seek to address the challenges that are occasioned by rapid urbanisation, which include constrained access to space, poor waste management practices, and unsustainable urban infrastructure.…”