Flooding in the suburbs of Dakar : impacts on the assets and adaptation strategies of households or communities

Date

2015

Authors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)

Abstract

Since 2005, Senegal has experienced severe and recurrent flooding. In Pikine, the most populous suburb of Dakar, the 2009 floods affected a third of the population. The government mobilized major investment for drainage and water retention infrastructure, as well as for development of resettlement sites for affected households. However, little is known about the responses, expectations and solutions of those affected. To address this gap we examine the experiences of people living in the commune of Yeumbeul Nord in the city of Pikine around the flood events of 2005, 2009 and 2012. In response to flood hazard and its impact, local residents developed a set of actions to preserve their housing, workplace, goods, family health and security, and children’s schooling. Household mobilization was focused on flood water management and physical adaptations, including raising septic tanks and toilets. Affected households preferred the strategy of housing upgrading and neighbourhood improvement over the option of resettlement.

Description

Keywords

ADAPTATION, SENEGAL--DAKAR, FLOODS, SENEGAL, UPGRADING, URBAN PLANNING

Citation

Cissé, O., & Sèye, M. (2015). Flooding in the suburbs of Dakar: impacts on the assets and adaptation strategies of households or communities. Environment & Urbanization, 1-21. doi:10.1177/0956247815613693

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10625/55256

DOI

Collections

IDRC Research Results / Résultats de recherches du CRDI
2010-2019 / Années 2010-2019
Disaster Risk Reduction / Réduction des risques de catastrophes
Research Results (CCW) / Résultats de recherches (CCE)
Sub-Saharan Africa / Afrique subsaharienne
Urban and Peri-urban Water and Sanitation / Eau et assainissement urbain et péri-urbain