Assessing The Implications Of Flooding Menace For Urban Livelihoods In Greater Accra: A Case Of Agbogbloshie, Alajo, And Dansoman Designated As Flood–Prone Areas

Abstract

Urban flooding in Accra has become increasingly frequent and severe, causing significant disruptions to the livelihoods of residents, particularly those engaged in informal economic activities. Despite the critical importance of understanding these impacts for effective policy formulation, there remains a significant knowledge gap regarding how flooding specifically affects different urban livelihood strategies and the adaptive mechanisms employed by affected households. This study employed a mixed-methods research design to assess flooding impacts on urban livelihoods in three flood-prone communities: Agbogbloshie, Alajo, and Dansoman. Data collection involved household surveys with 450 respondents, in-depth interviews with 45 key informants, focus group discussions, and direct observation. The study revealed that flooding impacts vary significantly across different livelihood activities, with location-dependent businesses experiencing more severe disruptions than mobile activities. Asset depletion patterns showed that financial assets are liquidated first, followed by physical assets, creating long-term vulnerability cycles. Household adaptation strategies included temporary inventory relocation, livelihood diversification, and community-level collective actions, though effectiveness was limited by resource constraints. The research identified critical gaps in institutional responses, particularly the lack of livelihood protection measures in existing flood management approaches. Recommendations include integrating livelihood considerations into flood management policies, expanding social protection coverage for disaster-affected populations, and strengthening community-based adaptation mechanisms to build urban resilience.