Risk acceptance in flood affected areas in Nyando, Kenya

Abstract: The area of Nyando wetlands experience floods almost every year due to heavy rainfall in the surrounding highlands. This area is populated, and this thesis aims to understand how the risk acceptance is developed. During a field study in the subject area, observations and interviews were conducted to create a qualitative research based on the respondent’s perceptions about human values, risks, their risk reduction and their opportunities. Culture and traditions together with the possibilities of agriculture made the people willing to stay, despite the reoccurring floods and droughts. The natural hazards were forceful, and many people relied on the government or NGO’s to come up with sustainable solutions.