Disaster Risk Governance: Effects of Floods on Small Businesses in Jhang and Dera Ghazi Khan Districts, Pakistan

Abstract

Adapting to future climatic variability in semi-arid and arid areas requires devising effective adaptive strategies across sectors. It is in this context that this research surveyed two districts, Dera Ghazi Khan and Jhang in Pakistan, and investigated the impact of floods on small businesses through vulnerability analysis. The findings showed that flood damage to infrastructure and capital goods was debilitating for small businesses. Moreover, loss of utilities like electricity and transport was a significant hindrance in resuming business operations. Stocks and access to credit were deemed to be essential for ensuring quick recovery. In addition, the role of extended family, neighbours, police and Non-Governmental Organisations, was also found to be integral. Furthermore, risk was exacerbated due to the lack of effective early warning systems in communities. Therefore, decision-making was often based on existing power structures and tended to accentuate risks in flood-affected areas.