Abstract

Community perceptions of flood risk and knowledge of disaster risk management frameworks are critical determinants of effective flood mitigation and adaptation in vulnerable river basins. This study examined the multilayered structure of community knowledge and perceptions regarding flood risk management in the Lower Gucha-Migori River Basin, Kenya, where recurrent flooding threatens livelihoods and infrastructure. Using a mixed-methods approach with 357 household respondents, we assessed community perceptions of the Integrated Flood Management (IFM) framework effectiveness, identified key flood vulnerability issues, and documented community preferences for flood risk reduction strategies. Results revealed that 88.8% of respondents perceived the IFM approach as adequate, yet significant gaps persist in implementation, with 26.9% reporting lack of knowledge about flood risk management and 27.6% citing limited organizational capacities. Community preferences for flood protection standards reflected high risk aversion, with 54.3% favoring a 1-in-200-year flood standard. Proposed strategies for risk reduction emphasized structural interventions (shifting houses from high-risk areas, mean score 4.52) and nature-based solutions (increasing natural buffers, mean score 4.42). The study reveals that community perceptions are shaped by lived experiences, socioeconomic factors, and access to information, with significant disparities in risk tolerance across income groups. These findings underscore the necessity of participatory approaches that integrate community knowledge with technical expertise to enhance the effectiveness and equity of flood management strategies in the Lower Gucha-Migori Basin and similar flood-prone regions across East Africa.