A diagnostic framework for integrated flood risk governance: conceptual foundations and insights from Lagos and Accra

Abstract

Amid escalating urban flood risks driven by climate change and poorly managed urban growth, there is growing recognition of the need to strengthen and integrate flood risk governance systems. However, existing governance arrangements in many cities remain fragmented, siloed, and inadequately inclusive. This paper addresses a critical gap in the literature by proposing and applying an Integrated Flood Risk Governance framework that systematically assesses governance integration through three interrelated dimensions: institutional interaction, actor relationships, and policy mixes. Drawing on policy document analysis and in-depth interviews, the study explores the applicability of the Integrated Flood Risk Governance framework in two high-risk urban settings: Lagos, Nigeria, and Accra, Ghana. The findings reveal that although integration is emphasized in formal policies, practical implementation is hampered by highly centralized governance structures, limited stakeholder participation, and weak coordination mechanisms. In both cities, the private sector remains marginally involved, and policy coherence is often undermined by poor enforcement and funding constraints. This study demonstrates the utility of the Integrated Flood Risk Governance framework in diagnosing governance fragmentation and highlights the need for more inclusive, adaptive, and participatory approaches to flood risk governance.