Exploring children’s experiences and perspectives on flood-related disaster risk reduction and adaptation in Mamelodi East

Abstract

In South Africa, floods have become a more prominent natural disaster in recent years primarily due to extreme weather events linked to climate change. These extreme weather events and natural disasters disproportionately impact and affect children. The goal of the study was to explore children’s experiences and perspectives on flood-related disaster risk reduction (DRR) and adaptation in Mamelodi East. A qualitative study was conducted using an exploratory case study design. The sample of four participants aged 8 to 12 years from Viva Foundation School in Mamelodi East was selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using photovoice and semi-structured one-on-one interviews and analysed utilising the six phases of the reflexive thematic analysis method. The participant’s parents/guardians provided informed consent, and the participants gave their assent, while the researcher adhered to the confidentially of information as outlined in the ethical considerations of the study. The findings indicate that illegal waste dumping, and lack of necessary infrastructure contribute to environmental risks of flooding in Mamelodi East. Additionally, the findings reveal that floods negatively impact the daily functioning of the community, including people’s health and the environment. The study concluded that children are well informed about the interrelated nature of environmental flood risks and the severity of flooding impacts in their community. They recognise how floods affect their own lives as well as the lives of community members. Based on the identified environmental flood risks, participants proposed strategies to mitigate these risks and the impacts of floods, including the construction of flood-resistant infrastructure, improved waste removal services, and the initiation and implementation of clean-up campaigns. The study recommends that the community launch educational awareness campaigns about the impact of illegal waste dumping. Secondly, it advocates for the creation of resilient and improved infrastructure. Additionally, the study suggests that local and provincial governments enhance the provision of basic services. Lastly, it encourages promoting children’s involvement in disaster risk reduction efforts.