Participatory Vulnerability Analysis

In addition, natural disasters are one of the major issues facing nations as the effects of climate change takes hold of the world. The increase in urbanization contributes to the damage caused by flooding, as people start to live in more high risk areas. The study used the multi-criteria analysis method which makes use of field study, mapping, satellite images and secondary data. Thus, anthropocentric, geographical and physical factors are taken into account. In addition, the Analytical Hierarchy Process model falls under the multi-criteria analysis method. The Analytical Hierarchy Process model is the most effective way of analysing the impact of flooding (Danumah et al, 2016). Thus, making it ideal to use in order aid vulnerable communities

A study by ActionAid in five major African cities on the perceptions of flooding, using participatory vulnerability analysis. Participatory vulnerability analysis make use of local community members and government officials to analyse the factors that create vulnerability. Thus, by identifying the factors that create vulnerability, mitigation plans may be put in place. In Accra (Ghana) rainy season are becoming longer and all activities in the community such as trading and growing crops stop during a flood. Thus, disadvantaging the community on an economic level which has further implications such as food insecurity. The study indicated that community members perceived the causes of the flooding as being caused by a lack of planning, drainage systems, effective communication between officials and locals. Lastly, overpopulation forces people to settle in high risk areas and places stress on governmental capacity to expand and maintain drainage systems. The community adapted by placing viable items in the ceiling and staying with family and friends during a flood. Moreover, the study by ActionAid reinforce the ideals of political ecology, as the marginalized poor methods of survival are limited (Douglas et al, 2008). Moreover, humans have been encroaching into sensitive areas with the increase in development and population. Thus, people have started to inhabit areas nearby wetlands and rivers. It has become increasingly important for low-lying areas such as coastlines and cities located nearby rivers/wetlands to invest in flood management and defence. In order to protect important and costly infrastructure and human lives. An extreme example of a “hard”/man-made approach to flood management is the Thames Barrier in the United Kingdom which protects London from storm surges and tidal