The erosive effects of small disasters on household absorptive capacity in Niamey: a nested HEA approach

Abstract

The paper proposes a household resilience assessment tool that incorporates elements of the Household Economy Approach (HEA) to provide potential for a joined-up rural–urban output, but that includes additional data and specific analytical approaches in recognition of urban contexts. The tool is piloted in Niamey, Niger. The experience showed collection of the required data to be challenging. Results identified low levels of resilience amongst flood-exposed households associated with inequalities in social capital ties and variable access to food and security postflood. This is an output from the Urban Africa: Risk Knowledge (Urban ARK) programme