Title: Impact of flood disaster on small businesses in Ghana: a case study

Authors: Seth Anim Owusu; Collins Appiah-Kubi; Francis Antwi Obeng; Frimpomah Baa-Poku

Addresses: School of Natural and Environmental Science, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, EY-0329-2478, Ghana ' Department of Environmental Management and Technology, Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua, EN-112-3991, Ghana ' Department of Environmental Management and Technology, Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua, EN-112-3991, Ghana ' Department of Environmental Management and Technology, Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua, EN-112-3991, Ghana

Abstract: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the majority of businesses and play an important role in the national economy and development. However, hazards like flood disasters threaten the continuity and sustainability of small businesses, hence the need to safeguard them. This case study investigates the impact of a recent flood event on 78 SMEs in Ghana, using structured survey and statistical analysis techniques. The findings show that small businesses are hugely impacted by flood disasters. The indirect impact and financial losses from the June 2019 floods were significant, with the mean damage to a business building and stock being $887 and $1170 respectively. Small businesses lacked adaptive capacity and the take-up of flood resilience including insurance was low, making them more vulnerable to floods. The outcome of this study should inform policy and plans to promote flood resilience, and proactive measures to protect enterprises and society from disasters.

Keywords: hazard; flood disaster; flood impact; SME; small and medium-sized enterprise; small business; resilience; adaptive capacity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2021.122929

International Journal of Emergency Management, 2021 Vol.17 No.2, pp.122 - 137

Received: 09 Jun 2020
Accepted: 05 May 2021
Published online: 17 May 2022 *

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