Participatory flood vulnerability assessment: a multi-criteria approach

Abstract

Abstract. This paper presents a participatory multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach for flood vulnerability assessment while considering the relationships between vulnerability criteria. The applicability of the proposed framework is demonstrated in the municipalities of Lajeado and Estrela, Brazil. The model was co-constructed by 101 experts from governmental organizations, universities, research institutes, NGOs, and private companies. Participatory methods such as the Delphi survey, focus groups, and workshops were applied. A participatory problem structuration, in which the modellers work closely with end users, was used to establish the structure of the vulnerability index. The preferences of each participant regarding the criteria importance were spatially modelled through the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and analytical network process (ANP) multi-criteria methods. Experts were also involved at the end of the modelling exercise for validation. The final product is a set of individual and group flood vulnerability maps. Both AHP and ANP proved to be effective for flood vulnerability assessment; however, ANP is preferred as it considers the dependences among criteria. The participatory approach enabled experts to learn from each other and acknowledge different perspectives towards social learning. The findings highlight that to enhance the credibility and deployment of model results, multiple viewpoints should be integrated without forcing consensus.

Framework of Spatial Flood Risk Assessment for a Case Study in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam

“…These methods have potential applications in solving flood risk management issues (e.g., formulating their preferences and measuring these priorities [44]). Several popular MCDA are Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) [20], Analytic Network Process (ANP) [45], Compromise Programming (CP) [46], Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) [47], Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) [48], Elimination et choix In this study, based on a critical analysis of the available data in Quang Binh province, we used indicators applied to flood hazard, exposure, and vulnerability as shown in Figure 3. This framework might also assess the risk of flooding in other provinces in Vietnam.…”

A Flood Risk Assessment of Quang Nam, Vietnam Using Spatial Multicriteria Decision Analysis

“…While they make key decisions on local flood risk management activities, and always take cognisance of the local flood hazard features to make the most appropriate assessment, they are not academic persons. Second, our model lacks validation, which belongs to the MCDM approach of subjective judgments in weighting indicators [44] and subjective model validation [82]. Third, more data could be added to analyse flood vulnerability, such as gender and persons with disabilities; however, such data is not available in the research area.…”

Application of Reliability Analysis for Risk Ranking in a Levee Reconstruction Project

“…The ANP model was used to calculate the relative weights of the various flood influencing factors. De Brito et al [56] concluded that ANP proved to be effective for assessing the vulnerability to floods and that ANP should be used whenever possible as it allows for the capturing of the complex relationships among vulnerability criteria in a transparent way.…”