Coping Strategies of Displaced Flood Victims: The Case of Dire Dawa

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Date

2011-07

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

The main aim af this study was to explore post crisis coping strategies of the 2006 flooddisplaced victims of Dire-Dawa in the three resettlement camps (Jerba, Gende, and Mariam sefel). The slUdy illtended to look at the challenges victims face to cope, the coping strategies employed and their outcomes, and finally the influential f actors behind the choice of coping mechanisms. As a theoretical Famework, sustainable livelihood Famewor/( (SL F) was employed To this end, 01/1 ofa total of624 jlood-displaced victims in tile three resettlement camps, 18% were selected proportionally for the purpose of this study. Accordingly, 112 respondents were selected. To achieve the objectives mentioned, data were gathered through questionnaire, key informant interview, focus group discussion and observatioll. The questiOlinaire was distributedf or all 112 sample respondents; FGD was conducted with 16 of the participants of this study. 1n addition, to cross-check the results of the survey, interview was made with 7 key injormwlls (women, leaders of the resettlement camps, and chair persoll of the Dire Dawa DPPA bureau), Tile data obtained through questionnaire were analyzed using simple descriptive statistical methods such as Fequencies, percentages, charts, tables, and graphs, For the qualitative analysis (for the data obtained through f ocus group discussions, key informant interview, observation, open-ended questions) direct quotes and discussions were made. Results of the study revealed that, economic, social/organizational and cultural coping mechanisms were employed in response to challenges exerted by flood incidence, The social/organizational and cultural coping strategies were found to be the most effective whereas some of the economic coping mechanisms were found to be least effective (e.g. children involvement in livelihood activities). The researcher of this study recommends that mechanisms should be designed by city administration and NGOs to avert the consequent problems of those coping strategies which have undesirable outcome (reduction of meals, children school dropol/t). The cOlllml/nities studied should also be benejitedj i'ommicro credit services so as to diversify income generating activities and ensure sustainable livelihood.

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Keywords

Displaced Flood Victims

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