Integrated Flood and Drought Management for Sustainable Development in the Kagera River Basin
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Date
2011
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Abstract
Integrate Flood Management (IFM) integrates land and water resources development in a river basin, within the context of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), with a view to maximizing the efficient use of flood plains and minimizing loss to life. For flood management to be carried out within the context of IWRM, Nile river basins should be considered as integrated systems. Socio-economic activities, land-use patterns, hydro-morphological processes, etc., need to be recognized as constituent parts of these systems. The aim of this paper is to identify the flood and drought periods in the river basin for future agricultural development and establish functioning integrated measures for flood and drought management in the Kagera Basin, which is one of sub-basin of Nile basin. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) map was used for Kagera river basin delimitation and its patterns (topography, land use and land cover). Impacts of floods and drought on livelihoods of residents were outlined. Survey methods were also used to derive a risk assessment methodology and management plans for hazard prone communities. The flood disaster management strategic plan in the Kagera Basin contains three phases such as prevention and mitigation before the occurrence, response in case of disaster, and rehabilitation after the occurrence. Thus, the most important key strategy is the cooperation and co-ordination across institutional boundaries, noting that the mandates of many institutions will either cover only part of the river basin or extend well beyond the basin boundary. At the core of integration is effective communication across institutional and disciplinary boundaries, which can take place only if there is a perception of common interest. Emphasis was on the adoption of flexible strategies tailored to each flood-prone region (characterized by their various physical, social, cultural and economic aspects) – recognizing the importance of evaluating different options and their relative advantages and disadvantages.
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Keywords
Adaptation strategy, Integrated flood and drought management, Kagera River basin, Mitigation measures
Citation
Munyaneza, O., Ndayisaba, C., Wali, U.G., Mulungu, M.M.D. and Dulo, O.S., 2011. Integrated Flood and Drought Management for Sustainable Development in the Kagera River Basin. Nile Water Sci. Eng. J, 4(1), pp.60-70.