| dc.description.abstract | Floods are recurrent and devastating natural disasters that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities in urban areas, particularly slum settlements. This research endeavoured to assess the impacts of floods on small businesses in slum areas of Kampala, with a specific case study of Kalerwe Market.The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. Quantitative data was obtained through a cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire about flood data to quantify the economic and structural damages to businesses. This data was gathered through interviews with small business owners and qualitative data was obtained from Key Informant Interviews with local authorities and community members, providing insights into the lived experiences and perceptions of flood impacts. Study findings suggest that floods have had profound and multifaceted effects on small businesses in Kalerwe Market. These included direct losses in terms of damaged goods and infrastructure like destruction of stalls, as well as indirect consequences such as business interruptions like delay in operations, closure of the business, decrease in income. The research further explored the coping strategies employed by these businesses before, during, and after flooding, and these were covering floors with sawdust, which was the most common coping mechanism across the three flood scenarios. Others were cleaning drainage systems, commonly adopted before and during the floods; raising entrances to stalls/shops and covering items with tarpaulins mainly used before flooding. Generally, the major factors determining coping mechanisms among small business owners before, during and after flooding were building material of the stall/shop and knowledge of Kalerwe as a flood prone area. The outcomes of this research contribute to a deeper understanding of the vulnerabilities of small businesses in slum areas to flood disasters, shedding light on the urgent need for comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategies in Kampala's informal settlements. Ultimately, the study seeks to inform policy development and community-based initiatives aimed at minimizing the adverse impacts of floods on small businesses in Kalerwe Market and similar urban settings. | en_US |
