Guiding developments in flood-prone areas: Challenges and opportunities in Dire Dawa city, Ethiopia

One of the biggest challenges that developing countries are facing today is the management of development in flood-prone areas. Ethiopia is no exception, as it has suffered perennial floods in different parts of the country with devastating consequences. Floods in Dire Dawa are occurring more frequently than before and this is attributed to climate change, among other reasons. This study looks at guiding development in flood-prone areas in Dire Dawa. In this study, data were collected from selected kebeles (zones). Questionnaires, interviews and observation were used as data collection methods. Respondents were randomly selected from the communities for the administration of questionnaires. Analysis revealed that the return period of floods in Dire Dawa is getting shorter. The local authorities have come up with coping strategies, which are falling short of the expected outcome, with poor implementation being the major problem. The study concludes by recommending that the administration needs to identify and prioritise existing opportunities by implementing the already existing strategies. The city administration needs to establish a specific body for watershed management and flood protection responsible for carrying out research, early warnings, designs, pooling resources, implementing and managing interventions.