Drivers and coping mechanisms to floods: experiences of residents in urban Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract Over the last few years, the recurrence and severity of floods in urban Kumasi have increased considerably with devastating consequences for both lives and properties. Yet, the perspectives of residents who have experienced these floods have often been ignored in policy developments. This study used a mixed-methods approach including household surveys and key informant interviews to determine the drivers and coping mechanisms to floods in three selected communities in urban Kumasi, Ghana. Results showed that the study respondents perceived changes in rainfall and floods through increasing amounts of rainfall, increasing duration of rainy season and increased incidences of floods. A multiplicity of causes were reported by the study respondents including poor design of drains, choked drains and inadequate drain infrastructure. Destruction of properties, decreased economic productivity and soil erosion were reported as the major effects of floods. The respondents implemented various coping mechanisms including temporary migration and relying on family and friends to manage the adverse effects of floods. Findings indicated that access to weather and climate information, access to household communication gadgets, age of respondents and period of staying in the community were significant coping mechanisms employed by the respondents. Barriers impeding the implementation of these coping mechanisms reported by study respondents included financial constraints, inadequate support from government and non-governmental institutions and lack of understanding on early warning systems. Accessibility to timely weather and climate information should be prioritized to help people improve their information sharing and decision-making processes in managing floods in urban Kumasi.