Women's knowledge and perception of flood disasters in Butaleja District, Uganda

Abstract

Globally, flood disasters have increased, adversely affecting women. The study assessed women's knowledge and perception of flood disasters in Butaleja district, Eastern Uganda, regarding the occurrence, severity, causes, and timely access to flood information among women flood victims. Evaluating women's knowledge and perception of flood disasters guides the design and implementation of risk-reduction initiatives and practices. We employed mixed methods, with primary data collected from 300 households, 16 focus group discussions, and 9 key informants. Data were analysed with R-software and Atlas ti 23. Results attributed the causes of flood disasters to heavy rainfall, poor farming methods, and encroachment on wetlands and riverbanks. Most women reported that floods were becoming more severe, and they lacked access to information sources regarding flood disasters. Women's awareness of flood disasters is significantly associated with the respondents' level of education and the primary source of livelihood. The study concludes that even when women flood victims were aware of flood disaster occurrence, severity, and causes, they exhibited inadequate knowledge, as they did not have access to information sources to alert them to flood disasters. The study recommends appropriate location of flood early warning systems and proper land use to enhance women's knowledge of flood disasters.