Coping Strategies of Displaced Flood Victims: The Case of Dire Dawa
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2011-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
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.
Description
Keywords
Displaced Flood Victims