Evaluating the Causes and Socio-economic Effects of Flooding in Ogba, Egbema, Ndoni LGA, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Focusing on community resilience infers enforcing greater stress on what communities can achieve for themselves while working together. The argument for communities to look inward to addressing natural disaster is hinged on the lack of proactive response from state actors. The trend in the effects and severity of flooding is narrated in many communities, but documentation is weak given the reliance on quantitative methods to investigate the spatio-temporal implications of flooding. The present study evaluated the causes and socio-economic effects of flooding in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, Rivers State, Nigeria. Four hundred respondents were sampled using the Taro Yamane’s sampling techniques and thus, four hundred copies of questionnaire were administered to the respondents to elicit information on causes and socio-economic effects of flooding in the study location. Descriptive statistics were employed for the data analysis. Findings revealed that that the occurrence of flooding is frequent (86.9%). Findings showed that majority of the residents (36.4%) reported that unplanned development is very impactful in the reoccurrence of flooding. Other factors that contributes to flooding in the study area include increasing rainfall, construction activities and blockage of water channels due to poor regulation of development. Majority of the residents agreed strongly (33.2%) that homes and other properties have been destroyed by flooding in the study area. The reduction in farm products was reported to be impacted by flooding in the place with 41.7% of the residents agreeing strongly to the question. The study concluded that flooding in ONELGA comes as a result of unregulated development, poor waste management, and blocked drainage channels and possessed severe socioeconomic impacts. It is recommended among others that government authorities are advised to enforce strict compliance with urban planning and environmental regulations by ensuring that all developments whether residential or commercial; should obtain official approval and adhere strictly to approved building plans. The government is also advised to prioritize the development and implementation of a comprehensive community-based flood resilience program.