Social Networks as Coping Mechanisms for Floods: Evidence from Households in the Lower Nyando Basin, Kisumu County, Kenya

Flooding impacts and disrupts all aspects of lives of populations living within flood-prone areas in Nyando sub-County of Kisumu County.  In spite of various mitigation measures put by in place by the County and National governments for managing floods, flooding continues to affect Nyando region. This study explored the social networks that households in Lower Nyando Basin, Kisumu County, rely on to cope with floods. The research was conducted in Nyando sub-County of Kisumu County, targeting all households residing in the area. Stratified random sampling was used to select 130 household heads and 20 key informants as the study participants. Data was collected using a questionnaire for household heads and a key informants’ interview schedule. Quantitative data was analysed by use of various descriptive and inferential analysis procedures, including Social Network Analysis (SNA) using Gephi Software and descriptive statistics using SPSS. Qualitative data was organized and coded according to various set themes, after which thematic analysis was used to come up with descriptions of the outcomes. The study findings were that, to cope with floods the households mostly relied on informal social networks, especially family members, neighbours, and friends. These networks were not only the most frequently used but also perceived as the most effective in meeting immediate household needs, providing emotional support, practical assistance, and fostering a sense of community. Formal institutions such as government agencies and NGOs were used to a lesser extent. The study recommends that policy-makers, NGOs, and community leaders should integrate and support informal social networks within formal disaster risk management frameworks. Strengthening community cohesion, improving institutional trust, and enhancing communication are critical to building more resilient households in flood-prone areas.