2024 Reports

Flood Risk Adaptation Among Poorer Households in Lusaka, Zambia

Nchito, Wilma S.

The city of Lusaka has a history of flooding. The increase in the number of unplanned settlements compounded with the effects of climate change has caused a rise in the number of affected households. It is known that the poor tend to settle in precarious and hazardous zones in and around cities because this is what they can afford. This case study presents an analysis of the various adaptive measures residents in Kanyama and Kalikiliki settlements in Lusaka undertake to cope with frequent flooding. Some of these measures are changes in the architectural styles of houses, unblocking drainages, and adapting informal businesses to suit flood conditions. It is such proactive measures that enable people to continue living in conditions that are considered harsh, unhealthy, and stressful. The case highlights resident’s perceptions of the roles they can play in mitigating floods. Residents felt they could unblock drains and dispose of waste properly as a way of reducing flooding. It is often assumed that communities cannot participate in preventing floods and the responsibility falls on government institutions and NGOs which often do not take into consideration the efforts of individuals and communities. The case study advocates for the improvement and replication of some of these community efforts
The case presents lessons on: 1. Reducing and mitigating flood risks among poorer households 2. Community responses to flooding; 3. Reliance on local knowledge, solutions, and strategies
4. The need for the development of urban early-warning climate systems.