Review on the Determinants of Rural Households’ Adaptation Strategies to Floods in Ethiopia

Abstract

Floods are a significant natural hazard in Ethiopia, frequently causing severe damage to lives, property, and the economy. This review investigates the determinants of rural households' adaptation strategies to floods in Ethiopia. The research highlights the increasing frequency and severity of floods, exacerbated by climate change, land use changes, and human activities. It examines various adaptation strategies employed by households, including livelihood diversification, physical infrastructure modifications, and changes in agricultural practices. The study identifies key factors influencing these strategies, such as access to information, government support, economic conditions, and household characteristics. Despite the critical need for effective adaptation, the study finds that less than 3% of households have implemented sufficient strategies, leading to significant economic and social impacts. The findings underscore the importance of enhancing adaptive capacity and providing targeted support to vulnerable communities to mitigate the adverse effects of floods. This article reviews contributes to the understanding of flood adaptation in Ethiopia and offers insights for policymakers to develop more effective disaster risk reduction strategies.

Keywords: Flood adaptation strategies, Rural households, Climate change

DOI: 10.7176/DCS/15-1-03

Publication date: January 31^st 2025