Speaker
Description
Floods are among the most persistent climate-induced hazards in the Global South, with Malawi illustrating challenges of fragile infrastructure, socio-economic vulnerability, and dependence on subsistence livelihoods. National responses often fall short due to weak early warning systems, fragmented coordination, and limited adaptive capacity at community level. In this context, Flood Community Disaster Management (FCDM) provides a framework for resilience through collective action, integration of local and scientific knowledge, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. This study, conducted in Karonga District, applies a choice experiment to: (i) examine community preferences for FCDM initiatives, (ii) estimate households’ willingness to participate, and (iii) develop a resilience framework grounded in adaptive capacity. Results reveal strong support for improved real-time communication between institutions and at-risk households, expanded awareness and early warning communication, food reserves, and inclusive platforms linking community and scientific expertise. Communities also value participation in public works that enhance preparedness and recovery. Using Random Parameter Logit analysis, the study proposes three adaptive scenarios tailored to Global South realities: (i) integrated food security and work-for-resilience programs (130 working hours per household per rainy season), (ii) community-centered flood information and early warning systems (160.79 hours), and (iii) multi-purpose community resilience hubs (226.69 hours). Implementation requires addressing financial and institutional constraints and sustaining technology-based systems. Collectively, the scenarios highlight community-driven strategies in advancing disaster governance, align with the Sendai Framework, and offer pathways for embedding community perspectives into sustainable flood management toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
| Keywords | adaptive capacity, choice experiment, community participation, disaster governance, flood community disaster management |
|---|---|
| atupelemsongole@gmail.com |