Willingness of households to reduce flood risk in southern France

Abstract

This article analyses the scope for individual adaptation to flood risk in the South of France. We collected data concerning the implementation of individual adaptation measures and the willingness to pay for individual and collective measures in a survey of 418 respondents living in two flood‐prone areas. First, we observed the current level of adaptation and compared the willingness to pay for individual versus collective measures. We then analysed the drivers of implementation and of willingness to pay. We then provide a cost–benefit analysis of individual adaptation. The survey results show that, despite willingness to pay for reduced risk, few adaptation measures have been implemented. Perceptions of hazards and of damage are important drivers but have different influences: the first favours the implementation of measures; the second increases willingness to pay for measures. Finally, our cost–benefit analysis suggests that completely dry proofing a house up to a height of one metre may not be economically viable. This calls for the promotion of cheaper and more cost‐efficient measures.

A systematic PLS-SEM approach on assessment of indigenous knowledge in adapting to floods; A way forward to sustainable agriculture

“…By eliminating or lowering the financial risks, it can assist in managing the flood risk before it occurs ( Surminski and Oramas-Dorta, 2013 ). Although this kind of policy is uncommon in underdeveloped nations, many industrialized nations use flood insurance as a non-structural method of dealing with flooding ( Champonnois and Erdlenbruch, 2021 ). Even if structural adjustments can prevent actual property damage and fatalities, flood insurance can significantly reduce economic losses, especially in low-income nations that are prone to floods ( Aliagha et al, 2014 ).…”

“…Farmers’ flood risk behaviors, in particular their risk perception and attitude, may be crucial when considering willingness to pay for flood insurance. Their decisions about agricultural productivity, investments, and farm management may also be impacted by this ( Champonnois and Erdlenbruch, 2021 ). At the moment, it’s thought that managing flood risk necessitates using subjective risk assessment, including risk perception ( Lechowska, 2018 ).…”

Why understanding behaviour matters for flood risk management?

“…A number of papers in this Issue of the Journal of Flood Risk Management (Volume 14, Issue 2-June 2021) also add to this valuable collection of research about flood risk behaviour. Both Netzel et al(2021) and Champonnois and Erdlenbruch (2021) focus on different factors that influence the willingness and uptake of individual flood risk management options in the context of pluvial floods in Germany and Southern France, respectively. Risk perception and knowledge are important determinants in both studies, whilst Netzel et al (2021) also identify the influence of the education and housing conditions on flood risk behaviour.…”

“…Risk perception and knowledge are important determinants in both studies, whilst Netzel et al (2021) also identify the influence of the education and housing conditions on flood risk behaviour. Additionally, Champonnois and Erdlenbruch (2021) consider the willingness to pay for measures and the economic viability of the implementation of such measures, recognising this as a significant barrier to effective uptake of measures. Barendrecht et al (2021) in their analysis of historical flooding in England in particular focus on the role of flood experience on preparedness and the implementation of flood mitigation behaviour.…”