Informal settlements are often the epicenters of vulnerability when it comes to environmental crises and climate-related disasters. Despite their heightened exposure and susceptibility, the role of these communities in spearheading disaster risk preparedness and response efforts is frequently overlooked. This article explores how grassroots initiatives and innovative community-based strategies can strengthen flood resilience in informal urban areas, using the case study of Korogocho settlement in Nairobi, Kenya.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Flood Risk Assessment in Informal Settlements
Comprehensive flood risk assessment is a critical first step in addressing the challenges faced by informal communities. This process involves detailed vulnerability mapping, flood probability analysis, and thorough hazard identification. In the case of Korogocho, the settlement’s location next to the Nairobi River and its proximity to the Dandora dumpsite have exacerbated its exposure to recurring flood events. Additionally, the informal and densely populated nature of the neighborhood, coupled with inadequate infrastructure and sanitation systems, have amplified the community’s susceptibility to flood-related impacts.
By integrating local knowledge and community-generated data with scientific modelling, flood risk assessments can provide a more nuanced and contextualized understanding of the threats faced by informal settlements. This collaborative approach leverages the insights of residents who have first-hand experience navigating the very systems and environments under evaluation.
Structural Flood Control Measures
While structural interventions such as levee design, floodwall development, and retention basin implementation are crucial for mitigating flood risks, their deployment in informal settlements poses unique challenges. Factors like land tenure insecurity, limited access to resources, and the organic growth of these neighborhoods can hinder the feasibility and acceptance of top-down, engineered solutions.
To address this, community-based approaches that engage residents in the planning, construction, and maintenance of flood control infrastructure can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of such measures. For example, in Korogocho, residents have collaborated with local organizations to establish a “People’s Park” along the Nairobi River, which combines flood mitigation features like gabions and bamboo planting with recreational green spaces.
Non-Structural Flood Control Strategies
Complementing structural interventions, non-structural flood control strategies offer alternative pathways to enhance flood resilience. These include land use planning, building code regulations, and flood insurance programs. In the context of informal settlements, where formal planning and governance structures are often inadequate, community-driven initiatives can play a pivotal role in implementing these measures.
For instance, the “Future Yetu” project in Korogocho has mobilized residents to develop a community-led climate adaptation manifesto and establish a local climate change adaptation committee. These grassroots efforts aim to influence policy decisions and advocate for the integration of informal settlement priorities into city-level resilience planning.
Community-Based Adaptation
The key to strengthening flood resilience in informal settlements lies in the active engagement and empowerment of local communities. A participatory approach that involves stakeholder engagement, needs assessment, and the incorporation of local knowledge is essential for designing effective and sustainable flood management strategies.
In Korogocho, organizations like the Korogocho Peace and Justice Center and Ecological Justice have facilitated community workshops and training programs to enhance disaster preparedness and early warning capabilities. These initiatives have not only improved the community’s ability to respond to flood events but have also fostered a sense of ownership and agency among residents.
Sustainable Livelihoods and Stormwater Management
Recognizing the intricate connections between flood risk, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic well-being, community-based adaptation strategies in informal settlements often incorporate sustainable livelihoods and stormwater management approaches.
Initiatives like the KombGreen Solutions and Ayiera Initiative in Korogocho have focused on diversifying income sources, protecting community assets, and promoting climate-smart agriculture practices. These efforts not only enhance the community’s adaptive capacity but also contribute to broader environmental benefits, such as improved urban drainage and watershed management.
The integration of green infrastructure, permeable surfaces, and detention facilities into community-led stormwater management projects can effectively mitigate flood risks while providing additional ecosystem services and livelihood opportunities.
Emergency Flood Response
Effective emergency flood response is a crucial element of building flood resilience in informal settlements. This involves preparedness planning, including the development of evacuation protocols, emergency supply stockpiling, and the identification of temporary shelter locations. Community-based organizations in Korogocho, such as the Korogocho Response and Safety Team, have been instrumental in coordinating these preparedness efforts and strengthening the community’s ability to respond swiftly to flood emergencies.
During disaster relief operations, rapid damage assessments, the deployment of temporary flood barriers, and the provision of humanitarian assistance are critical. By engaging local community members in these response efforts, informal settlement residents can leverage their intimate knowledge of the neighborhood to optimize the effectiveness of emergency interventions.
The recovery and reconstruction phase following a flood event is equally vital, as it presents an opportunity to rebuild critical infrastructure, promote flood-resilient housing, and foster community engagement in the process. Community-based organizations can play a pivotal role in advocating for the unique needs of informal settlements and ensuring that the reconstruction efforts address long-term resilience.
Strengthening Collaboration and Governance
Enhancing flood resilience in informal settlements requires a collaborative approach that involves various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, international partners, and, most importantly, the local community. While community-based initiatives have demonstrated remarkable impact, their long-term sustainability and scalability often hinge on effective multi-stakeholder coordination and decentralized urban governance.
In the case of Korogocho, the community has forged partnerships with entities like the Ministry of Environment, Kenya Forestry Service, World Food Programme, and United Nations to access resources, technical expertise, and policy support for their flood resilience initiatives. However, the community has also faced challenges in navigating bureaucratic hurdles and securing adequate funding, underscoring the need for more inclusive and responsive governance structures.
Conclusion
The experiences from Korogocho settlement in Nairobi highlight the transformative potential of community-based adaptation strategies in enhancing flood resilience in informal urban areas. By leveraging local knowledge, fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, and integrating sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation, these grassroots initiatives have demonstrated their ability to address the complex, interconnected challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
As the global climate continues to change and exacerbate the frequency and intensity of flood events, the lessons learned from Korogocho can serve as a blueprint for replicating and scaling up community-driven flood resilience efforts in other informal settlements around the world. By empowering local communities and fostering inclusive, responsive governance, we can work towards a future where no one is left behind in the face of the growing climate crisis.
Tip: Implement real-time monitoring to swiftly respond to flood risks
