Multi-stakeholder perception on flood management in Ghana: Analysis of drivers and potential solutions, with a focus on surface permeability

Abstract

Flood risk has increased over the last years due to a combination of climate and land cover changes. This situation is being exacerbated in developing regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa due to their lack of resources to deal with flood impacts. Under this premise, this research aimed at gaining insight into the role of land cover, urbanization, resilient surfaces and stakeholder participation in flood risk management in Ghana, West Africa. To shed light on the technical and social drivers and solutions related to flood management in Ghana, an online questionnaire was elaborated. The survey was distributed among a sample of representative stakeholders: academics, citizens, decision-makers (politicians), volunteers and workers (technicians). Most addressees highlighted the relevance of citizen participation to prevent floods, while identifying the alteration of natural land as one of the main drivers of floods in Ghana. Decision-makers were the only group not allocating a predominant role to surface permeability in terms of flood reduction. This finding emphasizes the importance of stimulating the communication among the parties involved to reach consensual perspectives, while pointing out to the need for nature-based solutions and green infrastructure to build flood resilience.