Using Socio-Ecological Theory to Examine Impacts of Extreme Weather Events in Two Informal Settlements in Nairobi

Background and Purpose: Climate change is expected to have a profound impact on health and coping and widening social and environmental inequalities. People living in informal settlements--defined as areas lacking durable housing, access to basic infrastructure and secure tenancy–are especially vulnerable to climate change as they are often located in ecologically sensitive areas (e.g. floodplains, waste dumps) that are more susceptible to extreme weather events (EWEs) such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves. As the Social Work Grand Challenges urge our profession to address the effects of climate change on widening inequality, it is imperative that we explore the impacts of EWEs on those residing in informal settlements and subsequently use this information to inform adaptation strategies. The aim of this study is to explore the multidimensional impacts of EWEs on the daily lives of women in informal settlements, as defined by women themselves.

Methods: We used a socioecological framework to analyze the impacts of EWEs on women living in informal settlements, based on data from six monthly surveys (September 2022- February 2023) collected from a probability sample of 800 women living in two of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. This data was collected as part of an ongoing longitudinal study that uses community participatory methods to investigate the effects of climate change on health and wellbeing in informal settlements, made possible by a team of 16 community health volunteers from informal settlements in Nairobi who lead data collection and provide critical expertise in ongoing analysis.

Results: Findings show profound impacts on women that exist across intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy dimensions. These include physical and mental health (e.g. increases in illnesses from the common cold to malaria, pain, restlessness, stomach issues, and sleep disturbances), finances (e.g. increased costs, business and employment disruptions), property issues (e.g. damage to homes, water or sewage entering the home), and social impacts (e.g. limited privacy or increased isolation). Participants also discussed impacts relating to their surrounding physical environment, such as disrupted food or water access, poor air quality, drainage issues, and safety concerns.

Conclusions and Implications: These findings can directly inform urgently needed adaptation strategies and policies that center the expertise of community members to address the effects of climate change on women’s health and wellbeing in informal settlements. For example, strategies that include specific resources related to better access to health and health care resources and tangible financial support or pathways to employment and business security and strengthening social networks and systems. Government investment in co-development strategies to improve quality of housing and access to water, sanitation and other formal services may also be important to ensure that residents exist in safer environments and living spaces.