Home > Geography, Earth Sciences > Vol 12 2024 Abstract 4
Assessment of Flood Menace in Cities - A Perspective from Lokoja Communities of Kogi State, Nigeria
Okosun S. E, Patrick R. A, Banki T.C

Abstract
Purpose: Flood menace affected 4.4 million Nigerians in 33 of the 36 states in 2022, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, and displaced over 1.4 million people, and killed 612 people. This study assessed the impacts of flood menace on Lokoja communities in the absence of a clear strategy framework despite abundant research evidence. Methods: Structured questionnaire surveys, focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII) methods were deployed to obtain data on the causes and dilemma of flood menace. A sampling technique was used to obtain five (5) communities in Lokoja, out of eleven (11), and 257 household heads were drawn from the study population. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Findings: The findings revealed that, flood menace caused damages to household properties, building collapse, vehicle breakdown, diminished water quality, and destroyed farmlands. Some of the other factors were poor drainage facilities, drainage pattern, and buildings across narrow floodplain. The need for sensitization of the general public on issues of climate change and Disaster Risk Reduction indices was recommended. Research Limitation/Implication: The study focused on the causes and dilemma of the impact of flood menace in Lokoja communities, Nigeria. Practical Implication: The knowledge derived in the paper will help the government to collaborate with other stakeholders on flooding and flood-proofing measures especially in marshlands and waterways. Social Implications: This study will assist decision makers, planning authority, civil society, NGOs, Community Development Associations (CDAs), and developers in addressing diverse environmental and social effect of flood menace for the present and future generation. Originality/Value: The novelty of this study is on informing about the social and environmental challenges of flooding, development initiatives on the protection of the environment in order to effectively foster awareness of key stakeholders toward the initiative of building resilient cities/towns.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jges.v12a4