Community Resilience and Transformation in Post-2022 Flood Resettlements in Rural Charsadda, Pakistan

Abstract

This research explores the dynamics of community resilience and transformation in post-2022 following flood-induced resettlements in rural areas of Charsadda district, Pakistan, a region recurrently impacted by the adverse effects of climate change driven floods. The primary objectives of this research are to identify various forms of flood-induced displacements and to analyze their consequential impacts on the safety and physiological needs of displaced communities. Additionally, the study examines the processes through which these communities develop resilience and undergo transformation. This study utilizes the foundational levels of Maslow's hierarchy of needs—physiological and safety needs—to assess community vulnerabilities, while applying the Social-Ecological Resilience Theory to explore how ecosystems demonstrate resilience through their interactions with human societies. By adopting a qualitative research methodology, this investigation involved conducting face-to-face interviews with members of several resettled communities in rural areas of Charsadda district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. The interview questions were organized around the different types of displacement experienced, exploring the intricate relationship between environmental disasters and socio-economic vulnerabilities. The study also probes the psychological effects of displacement, including trauma, loss, and adaptive coping strategies, and assesses the structural and communal mechanisms that contribute to resilience. The findings uncover a complex landscape of resilience and transformation, characterized by the interplay of traditional knowledge, community solidarity, and external support. These elements collectively facilitate adaptation and recovery within the affected communities. This research underscores the pivotal role of effective policies and support systems in enhancing the resilience capacities of rural communities in KP. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive disaster management strategies that not only provide immediate relief but also promote long-term community empowerment. Such strategies are essential for fostering sustainable development and resilience in the face of increasing climate-related challenges.