The lived experiences of flood survivors in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces, South Africa: Implications for green social work

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Abstract
Flood disasters pose severe threats to vulnerable populations, demanding urgent and contextually grounded responses from the social work profession. This qualitative study, guided by green social work principles, explores the lived experiences of 23 survivors of major flooding events in the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa in 2022, 2023, and 2024. It explores the psychosocial and material impact of floods as a climate-induced disaster, survivors’ coping strategies, and implications for social work practice and education. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals directly affected by flooding. Thematic analysis revealed profound effects on emotional well-being, housing, livelihoods, and community cohesion. Participants recounted trauma, displacement, and economic hardship but also demonstrated resilience through social networks and cultural knowledge. The findings expose a significant gap in social work’s current response to climate-related crises. The study calls for a realignment of social work education and practice to incorporate ecological justice, trauma-informed care, disaster preparedness, and culturally sensitive interventions. Centering African experiences, the study advocates for a paradigm shift toward sustainable and inclusive approaches, contributing to the growing relevance of green social work in addressing environmental challenges.
Funding Information
  • National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (BMG22/1066)

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