Interim impacts of an integrated resilient development project: The case of Accra, Ghana
The Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project, initiated in 2019, aims to improve flood risk management and access to infrastructure in informal settlements. Interim findings show no significant impact on flooding conditions, but the project has enhanced transparency and community engagement despite delays affecting living satisfaction.
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Wang-Policy-Brief-January-2025.pdf
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- The Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project, initiated in 2019, is a World Bank-funded project that aims to improve flood risk management and access to basic infrastructure and services in targeted informal settlements.
- While several key works under the GARID project have yet to be completed, we use data from baseline and midline household surveys to examine GARID's interim impact.
- The results indicate that the introduction of GARID had no significant intermediate effects on flooding conditions in GARID-targeted neighbourhoods compared to non-GARID neighbourhoods.
- GARID’s initiation has facilitated project transparency and stimulated notable bottom-up commitments to neighbourhood improvements.
- The midline results also indicate a decline in living satisfaction among households in GARID-targeted neighbourhoods. While this is contrary to expectation, it is understandable because GARID’s interventions have been delayed, and its implementation is still in progress.
- The project interventions should be expedited to maximise benefits. The team should also continue extensive participatory activities and initiate early discussions on maintenance for sustainable operations.
- The experiences from GARID can offer valuable lessons for other cities aiming to advance their resilience investments.