Effectiveness of Flood Mitigation Strategies used by residence in the Tamale Metropolis of the Northern Region, Ghana

Abstract

This study examine the Effective Flood Mitigation Strategies used by residence in the Tamale Metropolis of the Northern Region, Ghana. The study was conducted in the Tamale Metropolis. The study used a descriptive study design for data collection. Primary data was collected from 400 respondents across flood prone areas in the Tamale Metropolis using a questionnaire and interview guide. Flood prone areas in the Tamale Metropolis were selected purposively, these areas are Kobilimahagu, Jakara-yili, Kukuo, Nalung, Sawaba, Dungu, Dungu-Kukuo, Gbanbaya, Bilpela, Gumbihin South, Gumbihini North, and Lamakara. Furthermore, respondents were selected using a simple random sampling techniques. The data was analysed using Kendall's coefficient of concordance to rank the adaptation strategies used in overcoming the challenges associated with flooding. Also, a five-point Likert scale measurement (Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Moderate, Agree and Strongly Agree) was used to measure the degree of effectiveness of adaptation strategies used by residents of the Tamale Metropolis in reducing flood-related vulnerabilities. The study revealed that utilization of flood barriers and sandbags emerges as the foremost adaptation strategy employed to mitigate the impacts of flooding in the Tamale metropolis. The study concluded that flood barriers and sandbags emerged as the most important adaptation strategies used, providing an important defense against the negative impacts of flooding. The study recommends that Ghana metrological service should improve early warning systems to alert communities of impending floods, allowing residents to take necessary precautions and evacuate to safer areas during the raining season.