Towards resilience: navigating local knowledge in flood risk management strategies in Majuli Island, Assam
subject: Climate action; Community adaptation; Flood risk management; Local knowledge; Resilience
description: Scientific knowledge of climate change and its latent effects is important. But it often lacks the expertise of local communities. This paper emphasises the importance of understanding local knowledge within the dynamics of vulnerability and resilience. It also offers insights into the applicability of these knowledge systems, providing valuable lessons and challenges on local knowledge in flood risk management. The study was conducted within a qualitative framework, utilising a case study design, in Majuli Island. Data were collected through 20 key informant interviews. Findings reveal that the diverse dimensions of local knowledge among Indigenous communities strengthen mitigation, coping, and adaptation strategies, enabling them to endure recurring floods. The evidence presented can guide government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Majuli in integrating local knowledge into their interventions. By documenting and critically analysing existing practices, this paper adds to the growing literature on local knowledge in disaster research and practice. 2026 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
creator: Longkumer, Watimongba; Kannan, Hemalatha
source: Development in Practice;
publisher: Routledge
date: 01-01-2026
rights: Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
relation: ISSN: 9614524;
format: online
language: English
type: Article
coverage: Longkumer W., Department of Social Work, CHRIST University, Bengaluru, India; Kannan H., Department of Social Work, CHRIST University, Bengaluru, India