Assessing the vulnerability and coping mechanisms of Shiashie, East Legon and Agbogbloshie communities in Accra-Ghana to the impacts of floods

This study focuses on flooding which is a persistent problem that affects inhabitants of Accra in Ghana with adverse consequences on their socioeconomic activities and the development of the city. The main objective is to identify whether there is a difference in vulnerability outcomes due to socioeconomic differences between populations affected by the impacts of flooding. This is important because of vulnerability differences can influence policy outcomes in terms of developing interventions to address vulnerable population during flooding events. The objective is addressed through a cross-sectional study using semi-structured interviews on residents in Shiashie, East Legon and Agbogbloshie who are vulnerable to rain-induced flooding. The main findings are factors such as income, education, and technology use influence vulnerability differences between Shiashie, East Legon and Agbogbloshie. Residents with higher income are better equipped to prepare and recover from the impacts of flooding while those with higher educational levels are more likely to utilize technology more effectively to keep track and understand flood warnings. Social and communal support improved resilience though there was no clear pattern between the two regions. Communities experienced different risk perceptions and pressures as influenced by unsafe conditions in their environment. Human activities such as dumping and disposal of waste would create unsafe conditions such as clogging of drains especially for residents in Agbogbloshie leading to increased vulnerability. Recommendations include local and state governments implementing policies that factor socioeconomic disadvantages to help reduce vulnerability outcomes and promote resilience when faced the adverse impacts of flood events in Accra. Future studies can seek to use a longitudinal approach to get a clearer assessment of how socioeconomic factors influence vulnerabilities and coping strategies before, during, and after flooding events.