An Investigation of Floods effects on Community Resilience Strategies in Unplanned Settlements: A Case Study of Kanyama Compound, Lusaka

Abstract

Flooding is a major environmental challenge in unplanned settlements, significantly affecting livelihoods, infrastructure, and community well-being. In Lusaka, Zambia, Kanyama Compound is highly prone to recurrent floods, which damage homes, disrupt economic activities, limit mobility, and increase health risks. Local communities have developed resilience strategies to cope with these challenges, but the effectiveness of these measures, particularly drainage systems, early warning dissemination, and household-level interventions such as raising floor levels, remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of flooding on community resilience strategies in Kanyama Compound, focusing on these three key approaches. A descriptive research design was employed, using qualitative methods and quantitative data where necessary (mixed-method). Primary data were collected through structured interviews and surveys with 25 purposively selected respondents from a population of 525,902 residents. Participants were chosen based on direct experience with flooding and active involvement in community resilience initiatives. Secondary data were obtained from policy documents, academic journals, and reports on flood management and disaster risk reduction. The specific objectives were: to examine the effects of floods on drainage systems as a community resilience strategy; to assess the effectiveness of disseminating early flood warning systems; and to identify the role of raising floor levels in reducing flood impacts on households. Thematic analysis revealed that poorly maintained and insufficient drainage systems worsened flood impacts, while communities engaged in drainage maintenance experienced relatively reduced waterlogging and hazards. Early warning systems were crucial in enhancing preparedness, enabling timely protective measures, evacuation, and reduced property and livelihood losses. Raising floor levels provided partial protection for household assets but was limited by financial constraints and housing structures. Overall, community-driven strategies contributed to resilience but were constrained by weak infrastructure, limited resources, and minimal institutional support. The study concludes that sustainable flood resilience in unplanned settlements requires coordinated efforts from communities, local authorities, disaster management institutions, and other stakeholders. Recommendations include improving drainage infrastructure, expanding early warning dissemination, promoting household-level adaptation measures such as raised floors, and strengthening institutional support for disaster risk reduction. Future research should consider comparative studies across unplanned settlements, assess long-term resilience outcomes, and evaluate the effectiveness of policy interventions in mitigating flood impacts. Keywords: Effects of floods, unplanned settlements, Kanyama Compound, Lusaka District, community resilience strategies, drainage systems, early warning systems, raised floor levels