Rapid Appraisal of Resilience to Floods and Landslides in Musanze, Nyabihu and Rubavu Districts, Northern Region, Rwanda

The study aimed to assess the resilience of communities in the region to floods and landslides. Challenges to resilience in Rwanda are multifaceted, with factors such as poverty, lack of access to basic services, and limited economic opportunities contributing to vulnerability. The rapid assessment was conducted to identify the underlying causes of floods and landslides and to develop a context-specific resilience framework for the region. The study employed a qualitative assessment methodology, involving focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and analysis of primary documents. A total of 15 focus group discussions were conducted with community members, and 30 key informant interviews were conducted with local leaders and experts. The study also analyzed 50 primary documents related to disaster risk reduction, community-based health insurance, and infrastructure development. The results of the study highlighted the importance of human capital, social capital, and infrastructure in building resilience to floods and landslides. The study found that community-based health insurance (CBHI) programs were effective in reducing vulnerability to health shocks, while disaster risk reduction (DRR) initiatives were critical in reducing the impact of floods and landslides. The study also identified the need for improved infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and drainage systems, to reduce the risk of landslides and floods. The study developed a context-specific resilience framework for the region, which identified the underlying causes of floods and landslides, immediate causes and effects, and outcomes of the shocks/hazards. The framework also highlighted the importance of support and enabling dimensions, including human capital, social capital, and infrastructure, in building resilience to floods and landslides. The study identified several intervention entry points, including human capital, social capital, and infrastructure. The study recommended that interventions focus on building the capacity of community members to respond to floods and landslides, improving access to basic services, and enhancing the resilience of infrastructure. The study's findings have implications for disaster risk reduction and management in Rwanda, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes of floods and landslides and builds the resilience of communities. The study's context-specific resilience framework provides a useful tool for policymakers and practitioners to develop targeted interventions that address the unique needs of the region.