Assessment of the Local Strategies Used in Abating Flash Floods for Improvement of Community Livelihoods in Nyamwamba and Bulembia Divisions, Kasese District, Uganda

Abstract

Floods are intricate events that cause a range of human exposures, including loss of lives, property, and damage to infrastructure of the communities. Flash floods though often blamed on inappropriate development planning and climate variability, floods can be predicted to a reasonable extent, whose scale and nature are often less certain. The study aims at assessing the local strategies used in abating flash floods for improvement of community livelihoods. Specifically, the study explored the challenges the local communities faced during the implementation of the strategies, and also determined the relationship that emanated as a result of implementing the local strategies and community livelihoods. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data from 218 respondents and 08 Key Informants that held key responsibilities at the Municipal Council and the community. Information from the respondents and Key Informants were collected using questionnaires which was in form of interviews and face to face interviews respectively. The study shows that some local strategies have been implemented towards controlling flash floods such as, restoration of river banks (69.3%) planting bamboo trees along river banks (66%), use of gabions (65.6%), putting check dams (65.6%) and construction of manmade channels (95.9%) along the hillsides. Putting flood barriers (73%) that floods affect the community livelihoods in various aspects of daily life and the local economy in terms damage of crops (74.8%) risk of diseases (83 %) loss of livestock (60 %), displacement (93%); The challenges faced in implementation of the of local strategies in the study area include financial constraints (81.2%), technical and logistical issues (63%), poor infrastructural design (83.9%), and environmental challenges (66%). A Chi square test showed that the implemented local strategies were significantly related to the community livelihood at P=0.001. Implemented local flood strategies resulted to a positive relationship to the agricultural productivity and protected community property at P<0.05. Overall, effective flood management strategies are able to reduce risks and contribute to a better community health with fewer disruptions to community’s daily life at P<0.05. Local communities should adopt and implement the use of the mentioned local strategies like re-channeling of water pathways along the hill sides and use of gabions for flash floods mitigation since they cost effective. There should be a country-wide implementation of community-initiated mitigation measures for abating flash floods and related climate change disruptions aimed at building and promoting community resilience and livelihoods of people living in flood prone areas.