Social and Spatial Inequality Linked to Flood-Induced Displacements in Burkina Faso in 2009 and 2010

Abstract

Over the past twenty years, Burkina Faso has experienced periodic episodes of torrential rainfall which caused flooding that affected populations, habitats, agrarian and pastoral systems, and the economic infrastructure. In a case study of flood events in Ouagadougou and the northern and central regions in 2009 and 2010, we analyzed the geography of flooding, the population displacement that occurred, and the public policy responses. Victims in the capital city had more visibility and received more assistance, whereas the media and authorities quickly forgot about those who were affected in rural areas and small towns. This chapter looks at the geographical differences and social inequality at local and national levels in terms of the exposure to environmental hazards and of the emergency relief and rehabilitation policies implemented to cope with extreme climate events.