We all share the blame: Analyzing the root causes of flooding in African cities with specific reference to Harper City, Liberia

• Published in: Environmental challenges (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Netherlands), 2023-12, Vol.13, p.100790, Article 100790
• Main Author: Baddianaah, Issah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Climatic factors; Flooding; Human factors; Natural disaster; Root cause analysis; Sustainable cities
• ISSN: 2667-0100; 2667-0100
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2023.100790

Flooding is a major problem facing many cities worldwide. However, developing countries lagged behind in terms of knowledge on the causes and mechanisms to withstand and mitigate the ravaging effects of flood disasters. Using the root cause analytical lens, this study explored informal city dwellers’ knowledge and understanding of the causes of flooding in African cities. Qualitative data involving focus group discussions and key informant interviews were sourced from a flood-prone informal settlement in Harper City, Liberia and supported with desk review. Findings show that human factors are the predominant causes of flood disasters in African cities as against the natural or climatic factors. Human factors such as poor urban planning and development of the city, a poor drainage system, poor solid waste management and non-enforcement of laws, rules and regulations guiding building codes in the city were highlighted. Considering, the fact that the contributory human factors can be controlled, there is the urgent need for African city planners and stakeholders to prioritize flood mitigation strategies along the anthropogenic causes. The study argues that the attainment of sustainable development goal 11—safe, inclusive, resilient and sustainable human settlement by 2030 in Africa rests on robust urban planning policies focused on mitigating the anthropogenic causes of flood disasters in African cities.