Ecosystem-based Flood Disaster Risk Reduction in the Little Ruaha River Basin, in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania

Ecosystem-based approach that integrates floods and environmental risk management is believed to reduce flood disaster risk while providing socio-economic and environmental benefits to floodplain occupants. This study examined the socio-economic and environmental benefits of the ecosystem-based approach in managing flood disaster risk in the Little Ruaha River Basin in the southern highlands of Tanzania. The study involved 157 participants and employed the mixed research design to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Semi-structured interviews, in-depth interviews, direct field observation and Focus Group Discussions were used to collect primary data, whereas documentary review was used to collect secondary data. Findings revealed that communities in the study area adopted different ecosystem-based practices for reducing flood disaster risk. These included afforestation, wetlands conservation, agroforestry and river dredging. The study further found that ecosystem-based practices conserved soil, offered physical protection against floods, provided income, improved food security, provided building materials and fodder. As a result, households’ resilience to the effects of floods was improved. The study recommends the government and the private sector to support local communities in terms of resources, awareness raising and training in order to sustain ecosystems for enhanced resilience against flood disaster risks.