A review of flooding vulnerability and governance constraints in coastal Tanzania

Abstract

The available literature on increased flood risk in coastal Tanzania was systematically reviewed.  Key drivers of coastal flooding were identified as extreme rainfall events, outdated drainage systems, and unplanned urban expansion in low‐lying areas, where weak land‐use enforcement result in the degradation of coastal buffer ecosystems. Vulnerability is amplified by systemic governance and management gaps, with limited capacity and weak inter-institutional coordination. Relevant policy frameworks do exist, however fragmented governance, financial and technical constrains, and insufficient community engagement limit implementation success. Adaptation strategies (hard engineering measures; ecosystem-based approaches; early warning systems) are insufficient under increasing climatic pressures and rapid urban expansion. This study highlights the need for more integrated flood risk management approaches. Priority should be given to targeted investments to address spatial disparities in flood risk. Incorporating reconstructions of historical flood events can inform meteorological model calibration and refine climate-driven risk projections, thereby enhancing preparedness and long-term resilience planning.