The Impact of Flooding on the Community: A Case of Gweta and Zoroga Villages, Botswana

Abstract

Floods continue to cause devastating impacts on society, the economy, and the environment. In Botswana, the semi-arid climate makes the country more vulnerable to the effects of hydro-meteorological hazards. The villages of Gweta and Zoroga, located in the Central Tutume district in northeast Botswana have been experiencing flood events almost yearly during the rainy season, with the 2016/2017 being the most severe. The aim of this study was to assess the socio-economic impacts of these floods in the two villages and to map areas susceptible to flooding. A semi-structured questionnaire and a key informant guide were used to collect data from the heads of households. Participatory Geographical Information System was used to map areas vulnerable to flooding. The causes of flooding were increased rainfall intensities, coupled with a lack of flood control structures along the Maun-Nata highway. The devastating 2016/2017 floods caused damage to houses and other property and losses amounting to BWP18 482.58 (1US$=13.24 BWP) worth of cattle, BWP11 282.84 worth of goats and BWP1 314.22 worth of chicken