Addressing Flood Risk and Social Justice in Accra: Insights from Urban Expansion and Climate Change

A study by Møller-Jensen, et al., (2023) titled “Probing political paradox: Urban expansion, floods risk vulnerability and social justice in urban Africa” published in Journal of Urban Affairs by Taylor & Francis Group, shows that urban expansion and climate change have increased the flood risk and vulnerability of peri-urban areas in Accra, Ghana, creating a political paradox for urban managers who have to balance adaptation needs and existing resources.

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Urban expansion and climate change increase flood risk in Accra, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, revealing social injustices in adaptation policies.– Møller-Jensenet al., 2023

Urban planning in Accra, Ghana faces multifaceted challenges and promising prospects amid peri-urbanization, climate change, and the pursuit of social justice. Peri-urbanization, the expansion of urban areas into surrounding lands, presents a critical issue marked by inadequate infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. This process often leads to the haphazard development of housing, industry, and livelihood spaces, leaving communities vulnerable to risks. Climate change compounds these challenges, particularly in peri-urban regions where the threat of flooding looms large. With many residents and businesses situated in exposed areas, the risk of inundation is heightened, underscoring the urgent need for resilient urban planning strategies. At the heart of urban planning lies the principle of social justice, which demands equitable distribution and engagement across all segments of society. However, this goal remains elusive as marginalized groups, notably the poor, are often excluded from decision-making processes. Addressing this disparity requires a concerted effort to empower marginalized communities and amplify their voices in urban planning initiatives. Drawing on a diverse array of perspectives, including those of practitioners, academics, and citizens, the article sheds light on the intricate dynamics that shape flood-related decisions and actions. It underscores the influence of power dynamics, vested interests, and societal values in shaping urban planning agendas. In light of these challenges, the article advocates for a more enlightened, inclusive, and supportive approach to urban planning. Such an approach would not only bolster the resilience of peri-urban communities but also foster social justice by ensuring that the needs and aspirations of all residents are taken into account. By embracing informed decision-making processes and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, urban planners can pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable urban future in Accra.

How the Study was Conducted

The authors undertook fieldwork in Adentan, a peri-urban area in Accra, Ghana, which frequently contends with flooding. Their investigation involved visits to four flood-prone communities, where they assessed physical planning and drainage conditions. Additionally, they conducted interviews with residents, public officials, and traditional authorities to gather insights into their experiences and perspectives regarding flooding and adaptation measures. To validate their findings and solicit input, the authors organized a validation workshop attended by 25 participants representing diverse stakeholder groups. These included flood victims, witnesses, community leaders, and elected officials. The workshop aimed to confirm the findings from the fieldwork and encourage participants to provide feedback and suggestions. It also featured a video presentation showcasing a community-led rescue operation during a flood event. Subsequently, the authors transcribed the interviews and discussions from both the fieldwork and the workshop. Employing a thematic approach, they analyzed the data to identify recurring patterns and themes relevant to their research questions and objectives. Throughout this process, the authors ensured the anonymity of the participants by withholding their names.

What the Authors Found

The authors found that Urban expansion and climate change have increased the flood risk and vulnerability of peri-urban areas in Accra, Ghana, creating a political paradox for urban managers who have to balance adaptation needs and existing resources. The authors posit that flood interventions are often driven by the interests and priorities of powerful actors, such as state agencies, affluent residents, and traditional authorities, while the needs and voices of the most affected communities are neglected or marginalized. In addition, the study highlights that flood victims experience social injustice in terms of distributional and procedural aspects, as they bear the costs and burdens of local adaptation policies that privilege some residents over others and have limited access to decision-making and support services.

Why is this Important

Urban Resilience: As cities expand and face climate change impacts, understanding flood risk and vulnerability is essential. The study sheds light on how urban areas like Accra, Ghana, are affected by floods and the challenges they encounter.

Equity and Justice: The research highlights social injustices related to flood interventions. Powerful actors often drive policies, leaving marginalized communities with limited access to decision-making and support services. Recognizing these disparities is vital for promoting equity and justice.

Inclusive Recovery: The call for more inclusive recovery visions emphasizes the need to address spatial planning, livelihood, and mobility challenges faced by peri-urban residents. By considering the most affected communities, urban managers can create better adaptation strategies.

What the Authors Recommend

The authors recommend the following actions to address the challenges of urban expansion, flood risk, and social justice in urban Africa:

• Government should strengthen local capacities and resources to enable effective spatial planning, risk assessment, and adaptation strategies that are responsive to the needs and aspirations of diverse social groups, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized.
• Authors remanded that government should promoting inclusive and participatory governance that ensures fair representation, recognition, and empowerment of all stakeholders, particularly the local communities, in decision-making processes related to flood risk management and urban development.
• The authors suggest that government should enhance cross-sectoral and multi-level coordination among different actors and institutions, such as state agencies, traditional authorities, civil society organizations, and private sector, to foster synergies, avoid conflicts, and leverage resources for integrated and sustainable solutions.
• In addition, government should Adopt a holistic and justice-oriented approach to urban planning and flood risk management that considers the multiple dimensions and drivers of vulnerability, the distributional and procedural aspects of justice, and the potential trade-offs and synergies between adaptation and development goals.

In conclusion, the study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and inclusive approaches to urban planning in Accra, Ghana, amidst the challenges posed by urban expansion, climate change, flood risk, and social justice disparities. By embracing resilience, equity, and participatory governance, stakeholders can navigate the complexities of peri-urbanization and climate impacts while fostering sustainable, just, and thriving communities. This calls for concerted efforts to empower marginalized groups, enhance coordination among diverse stakeholders, and adopt holistic strategies that prioritize the well-being and voices of all residents. Ultimately, by addressing these intertwined challenges head-on, Accra can pave the way for a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable urban future.

AR Managing Editor (2024). Addressing Flood Risk and Social Justice in Accra: Insights from Urban Expansion and Climate Change. Retrieved from https://www.africanresearchers.org/addressing-flood-risk-and-social-justice-in-accra-insights-from-urban-expansion-and-climate-change/