Disaster risk management implementation in Malawi : policy options for resilience to adverse impacts of flooding in Nsanje district

Abstract

In line with the call for enhanced scientific evidence, this thesis adds to the development of innovative public health DRM solutions by assessing the capacity for- and implementation status of the WHO African region DRM strategy for the health sector in Malawi. Using a deliberative polling® (DP) method, the study also assessed the feasibility of DP for effective community engagement and specifically for the assessment of flood-affected community’s support for various flood mitigation policy options. This thesis also analysed the factors that are associated with community flood resilience. Findings from the studies in this thesis informed the discussion on flood-affected communities’ perception of fair adaptation and the future role of the public health profession therein.