An Assessment of the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Approach for Flood Risk Management in the Upper Suswa-Magadi Catchment

Abstract

Flood is a natural disaster that occurs due to the sudden onset of rainfall that causes runoff waters from high altitude areas to low altitude areas. The purpose of the study was to assess ecosystem-based adaptation in flood risk management in the upper Suswa- Magadi catchment. The study used a descriptive research design. Purposive sampling and stratified random sampling methods were used to select three locations of the Upper Suswa-Magadi catchment. These included Suswa, Keekonyokie and Mosiro. The locations had a population of 8,094 households, from which a sample size of 370 was obtained. The study relied on both primary and secondary data. The questionnaires, key informant interviews, and observations were used to collect data. The study concluded that; Community participation in EbA could increase the soil texture, and increased afforestation could help in the absorption of runoff water increasing the infiltration rates of water and causing flash floods. The study recommended the creation of awareness on the EbA measures to curb flash floods which could help the community members to avert the effect of flash floods and encourage the community to participate in the application of EbA measures in order to increase the soil texture, increase afforestation could help in the absorption of runoff water increasing the infiltration rates of water causing a flash flood. This can be done through community-based organizations that easily understands their problems and supports project that will assist them.