Disaster risk reduction: the contribution of plan Uganda in promoting child participation in mitigation of floods in Kawempe division

Abstract

This report is about a study on disaster risk reduction. Natural disasters are unfortunate but unavoidable fact of life. They can cause damage to individuals physically and leads to extensive property damage (King, 2012). According to the existing literature, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is an issue believed to be associated with several factors, but they need to be managed or reduced. This study therefore aimed at investigating the contribution of Plan Uganda in promoting child participation in mitigation of floods in Kawempe division, Kampala district. A case study design was used. A mixed approach of research was used, however the study was largely qualitative though there was as aspect of quantification. In total, 78 respondents sampled variedly from four Parishes in Kawempe division using clustering, simple random, systematic and purposive sampling were studied using in-depth interviews and focus discussion groups. Observations, photography and review of relevant literature were also used in data collection. Data was analyzed both qualitatively via content analysis and quantitatively using SPSS version 19.0. This study revealed that there several type of disasters experienced in Kawempe division. These disasters include flooding, disease epidemic, fire-outbreak and motor accidents among others. The most experienced disaster in the area is that of floods which more often happens especially when it rains. This disaster has affected mostly children and the women. The study however registered great contribution of Plan Uganda in promoting child participation that include; Hazard mapping, hazard ranking, raising awareness to other children and to communities, formation of school DRR clubs, community mobilization through radio talk shows, music, dance and drummer, poems, exchange visits to other parts of the country and exhibitions. Most children have dropped out of school due to floods that occur in their communities. Some school children are forced to push water away when floods occur hence creating child labor. The community within this area indicated that though Plan Uganda have put in place efforts to mitigate floods, they have experienced several challenges such as inadequate financial resources, their strategies are not clear in regards to child participation, lack political will by the leaders and that children are always undermined and are not allowed to freely participate in DRR activities. This study reveals that Plan Uganda focusses more on the community managed DRR rather than child centered DRR. The study therefore recommends that Plan Uganda should focus more on the child centered DRR approach if they are to realize a future resilient community. Their current strategies should be clear on child participation in flood mitigation. More financial input is required to support the efforts already in place and other stakeholders to come up and support the initiatives already established.