A collaborative integrated Indigenous knowledge-based flood risk reduction model

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Disaster Risk Management
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Background:

• Flooding poses a significant risk in South African communities, necessitating effective disaster risk reduction strategies.
• Existing flood early warning systems often lack integration of Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) and Western scientific approaches.
• A research gap exists in Alice Town regarding integrated flood risk reduction models and collaboration frameworks between local governments and communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the integration of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems for flood risk reduction in Alice Town.
• To develop a collaborative model for enhancing flood early warning systems by combining diverse knowledge sources.
• To provide guidance for local governments in South Africa for more responsive and sustainable disaster management.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an integrative Indigenous qualitative research methodology.
• Collected data through community conversations, interviews with local authorities, and policy analysis.
• Analyzed data using qualitative content analysis.

Main Results:

• Indigenous and Western early warning systems, though different, share similarities and can be effectively integrated.
• A Collaborative Integrated Hybrid Flood Risk Reduction Model (CIHFRRM) was developed to guide the integration process.
• The CIHFRRM aligns with the National Development Plan's goals for local government responsiveness and sustainability.

Conclusions:

• An Indigenous knowledge-based (IKS)-based integrated approach offers proactive opportunities for flood management.
• The proposed CIHFRRM can enhance community capacity in predicting, monitoring, and preparing for floods.
• The model is recommended for application in other South African municipalities' disaster plans.