Assesing the Socio -Economic Effects of Floods in the Huseholds of Nyatike Division in Migori County - Kenya

Abstract

Flood is one of the worst natural disasters worldwide. This study aimed at examining the socio-economic effects of floods in Nyatike Division, Migori County. Specific objectives of the study were to: examine effects of floods on the family ties in Nyatike Division, Migori County, determine effects of floods on the health of people of Nyatike Division, establish effects of floods on household property in Nyatike Division, and assess coping strategies used by households in response to floods.The study relied on descriptive case study survey design and data collected mainly through questionnaires and interview schedule. Sampling was done using mainly simple random and purposive designs. Simple random sampling was used to select the target households whereas purposive sampling techniques were employed to select key informants such as Government officials, NGOs working in the area and health officers were selected purposively. The study findings revealed that floods impacted negatively on people’s socioeconomic livelihoods on various aspects such as health, housing, social asset and property among others. The study further revealed that households employed various strategies to prevent and deal with the effects of floods. Digging trenches was found to be the most common way of dealing with and preventing adverse effects of floods. The research findings also demonstrate that most households depend on aids from the Government and NGOs as a method of dealing with effects of floods. Decisions about ways of dealing with floods are made by husbands. The study recommends that the Government should consider construction of dams to trap the excess water from river Kuja and Migori. This could be used for irrigation to improve food production in the area. The study also calls for proper preparedness and a long term solutions to dealing with floods in the area. The conclusion from this study is that floods in Nyatike division impact on households negatively