ASSESSMENT OF FLOOD MENACE

A PERSPECTIVE FROM LOKOJA COMMUNITIES OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The flood menace affected 4.4 million Nigerians in 33 of the 36 states in 2022, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, displaced over 1.4 million people, and killed 612 people. This study assessed the impacts of the flood menace on Lokoja communities in the absence of a clear strategy framework, despite abundant research evidence. Structured questionnaire surveys, focus group discussion (FGD), and key informant interviews (KII) were used to obtain data on the causes and dilemma of the flood menace. A sampling technique was used to obtain 5 communities in Lokoja; out of 11, 257 household heads were drawn from the study population. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 21. 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 patterns, and buildings across narrow floodplains. The need for the general public to be sensitized to issues of climate change and disaster risk reduction indices was recommended. The study focused on
the causes and dilemma of the impact of flood menace in Lokoja communities, Nigeria. The knowledge derived in the paper will help the government collaborate with other stakeholders on flooding and flood-proofing measures, especially in marshlands and waterways. This study will assist decision makers, planning authorities, civil society, NGOs, Community Development Associations (CDAs), and developers in addressing the diverse environmental and social effects of the flood menace for the present and future generations. The novelty of this study is informing about the social and environmental challenges of flooding and development initiatives on the protection of the environment in order to effectively foster awareness of key stakeholders toward the initiative of building resilient cities and towns.