2018 Reports

Peri-Urban Vulnerability, Decentralization, and Local-Level Actors: The Case
of Flooding in Pikine/Dakar

Schaer, Caroline

Pikine, a densely populated peri-urban area on the outskirts of Dakar, Senegal, faces recurrent flooding due to intense rainfall, poor drainage, rising groundwater, and rapid unplanned urbanization. High population density, insecure housing, and limited access to essential services exacerbate vulnerability, while local municipalities lack sufficient fiscal and human capacity to implement effective flood management. Residents employ community-based and individual adaptation strategies, such as elevating floors, using water pumps, and improving sanitation, though these measures are often temporary and can create additional hazards. Strengthening municipal capacity and supporting locally initiated community actions are critical for enabling sustainable adaptation to climate-related flooding in low-income urban areas.