SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF FLOODING ON VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA IN 2024

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Floods frequently dominate the headlines of local, national, and international media. The majority of the stories revolve around very little incidents that result in minimal harm and are quickly forgotten, save by those who are most directly impacted (Gobo, 2018). Nevertheless, there are several instances that pertain to significant catastrophes resulting in fatalities and extensive damage to assets. Unsurprisingly, floods are the primary source of the majority of natural disasters that impact society. During a 20-year period from 1947 to 1967, a research examined major natural hazards on a global scale, omitting drought. Among the sixteen types of disasters that caused either one-million-dollar damage or at least a hundred persons killed or injured, floods were found to be the most prevalent (Shehan, 2023). Floods constitute around 30 percent of all natural catastrophes and are responsible for 40 percent of the recorded fatalities in these disasters (Ward et al., 2023).

A flood is the result of a body of water exceeding its normal boundaries and inundating area that is typically not flooded (Prakha, 2022). Flooding has been a highly destructive issue since ancient times. The issue has been related to river flooding. Recently, a new aspect of flooding known as urban flooding has become increasingly common (Shehan, 2023). The dynamic character of land use, coupled with the growth of urban population and the conversion of natural vegetation into impermeable surfaces, has exacerbated the issue (Rashid, 2021). As a result, the definition of floods has been modified to accurately describe this event. An urban flood refers to the occurrence of water flowing across urban streets with enough force to cause substantial damage to property, hinder traffic, create a nuisance, and pose health problems (Shehan, 2023). It encompasses flash floods, which are rapid accumulations of water on roadways and sidewalks that are short-lived, and flood ponds, which are water bodies that form in depressions and persist for a longer duration. The majority of urban flood disasters are caused by human activities. Floods are inherent occurrences in nature, although humans have exposed themselves to danger by establishing human settlements, agricultural areas, industrial zones, and constructing transportation infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and railroads in areas prone to flooding (Raju, 2019). In some instances, there is a lack of or insufficient provision of drainage channels to manage excessive water during precipitation, particularly in less developed nations. However, even when such channels are there, the issue of flooding may still exist in certain scenarios (Varga et al., 2017).

Nigeria, located in a geographically exposed area with challenging topography and climatic circumstances, is extremely prone to natural calamities, especially floods. These calamities incur significant economic and societal burdens through the loss of human lives, destruction of infrastructure, and reduced agricultural output (Adedeji & Adelabu, 2021).  Flooding is the most recurrent catastrophe in Nigeria (Asiedu, 2022). Most of Nigeria's states face regular flooding during the rainy seasons due to increased precipitation linked to climate change (Iyiola, 2023). Rainfall flooding can be effectively mitigated by strategic planning and the implementation of necessary infrastructure (Oyewole & Akinrinade, 2022).

Human activity is the primary source of flooding in Nigeria, as a result of inadequate urban planning approaches and insufficient environmental infrastructure, which both contribute to and worsen the situation (Asiedu, 2022). The absence of a comprehensive national Flood Risk Management (FRM) plan and detailed flood risk maps in Nigeria indicates a lack of sufficient attention being given to the subject of flooding (Olusola, 2022). These findings indicate that implementing effective flood risk management strategies, such as robust spatial planning and infrastructure, may mitigate the adverse impact of floods on Nigeria's sustainable development (Babamaaji, 2021). In Nigeria's recent history, the year 2024 is seeing a series of extremely destructive floods incidents. Prolonged and intense precipitation, intensified by the effects of climate change, resulted in extensive flooding in multiple areas. Urban centres, coastal regions, and rural settlements are the main locations that are impacted. The floods disproportionately affected vulnerable people, especially those residing in low-lying areas and informal settlements. The objective of this study is to assess the social and economic consequences of flooding on vulnerable communities in Nigeria in the year 2024.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Nigeria is currently confronting a critical environmental crisis in the form of flooding, which is having a severe influence on the country's social and economic structure. In 2024, Nigeria had frequent and intense flooding disasters that worsened the weaknesses of communities around the country. This study aims to comprehend the social and economic ramifications of these floods occurrences on the most susceptible groups in Nigeria.

The flood situation in several Nigerian cities, particularly Lagos and Port Harcourt, is deteriorating (Dele, 2024). The situation is worsened by both natural and human forces. The natural elements contributing to the issue include extended periods of precipitation, inadequate handling of floodplains, and mismanagement of wetlands. The human elements contributing to flooding include urbanisation, engineering failures in flood control facilities, and the destruction of flood plains and wetlands by human activities. Floods have a catastrophic impact on both the environment and human beings. Significant human casualties, extensive property damage, and substantial financial losses occur as a result of these events. Additionally, the ecosystem suffers from erosion, leading to the degradation of its aesthetic qualities and the loss of valuable topsoil (Chukwudi, 2024).

Inadequate waste management is a significant human-caused element that exacerbates the existing flooding issue in Nigeria (Ojo and Adejugbagbe 2017). The inadequate disposition of Nigerians towards waste management has been extensively examined in multiple research papers (Eneji et al. 2016; Ojo and Adejugbagbe 2017; Olukanni, Adebayo, and Tenebe 2014; Sridhar and Ojediran 1983). Drainage obstructions, which are frequently observed in densely populated urban regions of Nigeria, are directly associated with inadequate sanitation standards. A significant section of the population routinely engages in roadside dumping, canal dumping, and dumping during rainy periods. This leads to obstruction and leads to inundation during the rainy season (Onwuemele 2012).

Flooding in Nigeria is a chronic and intensifying issue that has significant social and economic consequences for vulnerable areas. The flooding disasters in 2024 have brought to light numerous pressing issues that require immediate attention and response. Flooding has caused the displacement of numerous individuals in vulnerable communities, resulting in the temporary or permanent loss of their residences. Jimoh (2024) states that displacement has negative effects on social networks, leading to psychological stress and overcrowded temporary shelters with substandard living conditions. According to Adeshina (2024), flooding has worsened health hazards by increasing the occurrence of watery diseases like cholera, malaria, and typhoid. Underprivileged communities experience exacerbated health emergencies as a result of restricted availability of uncontaminated water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare provisions. The inundation has resulted in significant destruction to residential properties, thoroughfares, overpasses, and communal facilities. The onerous financial responsibility of repairs and reconstruction poses a significant obstacle for both individuals and the government, impeding economic progress and advancement (Jimoh, 2024). This study aims to assess the social and economic effects of flooding on vulnerable communities in Nigeria in 2024.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically assess the Social and Economic Impacts of Flooding on Vulnerable Communities in Nigeria in 2024. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To evaluate the level of flooding in Nigeria in 2024.

To investigate the number of displaced individual and families as a result of flooding in Nigeria in 2024.

To analyze the impact of flooding on livelihood, education and agriculture in Nigeria in 2024

To recommend strategies to improve flood management, disaster preparedness, and community resilience.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

What is the level of flooding in Nigeria in 2024?

What is the number of displaced individual and families as a result of flooding in Nigeria in 2024?

What is the impact of flooding on livelihood, education and agriculture in Nigeria in 2024?

What strategies can be implemented to improve flood management, disaster preparedness, and community resilience?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following research hypotheses will validate this study;

Ho: The level of flooding in Nigeria in 2024 is low.

Ha: The level of flooding in Nigeria in 2024 is high.

1.6 Significance of the study

Examining the social and economic consequences of flooding on susceptible areas in Nigeria in 2024 is crucial for addressing urgent requirements, guiding future planning, advancing social fairness, and enhancing resilience against forthcoming climate-related difficulties. It establishes a basis for evidence-based policies and initiatives that give priority to the most disadvantaged groups. This study will provide a fundamental reference point for policymakers, susceptible populations, students, and researchers.

Moreover, floods can result in the spread of waterborne illnesses, physical injuries, and psychological problems among the impacted communities. Conducting research on these effects aids in formulating plans for public health interventions, emergency response, and long-term health care planning. Furthermore, future academics will employ it as a comprehensive analysis of the existing scholarly literature. Therefore, aspiring students interested in this area of study will be able to rely on this work as a trustworthy and thoroughly assessed source of knowledge.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically assess the Social and Economic Impacts of Flooding on Vulnerable Communities in Nigeria in 2024. Specifically, this study seeks to evaluate the level of flooding in Nigeria in 2024 and investigate the number of displaced individual and families as a result of flooding in Nigeria in 2024. 

Further, this study will focus on analyzing the impact of flooding on livelihood, education and agriculture in Nigeria in 2024 and it also seeks to recommend strategies to improve flood management, disaster preparedness, and community resilience.

1.8 Limitations of the study

As is common in all human endeavors, the researchers faced minor limitations when conducting the study. The main limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the subject, as there is limited data available for Social and Economic Impacts of Flooding on Vulnerable Communities in Nigeria in 2024. Consequently, a significant amount of time and effort was necessary to locate the appropriate materials, books, or information and to gather data. 

Additionally, this study is constrained by its small sample size and narrow geographical scope, focusing just on Nigeria. Consequently, the results of this study are not applicable for generalization, thereby leaving room for further research. 

Additionally, the researcher's limitations were primarily due to financial constraints, as they are a student and do not have a source of income to sustain themselves. It was challenging to afford transportation expenses to and from the study location due to the high cost of transportation, which is influenced by inflation in Nigeria today.

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while also fulfilling the obligations of attending lectures and other educational activities.

1.9 Definition of terms

Flood: Flood is an overflow of water onto normally dry land. The inundation of a normally dry area caused by rising water in an existing waterway, such as a river, stream, or drainage ditch. Ponding of water at or near the point where the rain fell. Flooding is a longer term event than flash flooding: it may last days or weeks.

Flood pattern: Flood pattern" refers to the correlation and relationship between various parameters, such as rainfall and temperature, that contribute to the occurrence and severity of floods.

Urbanization: Urbanization is the process through which cities grow, and higher and higher percentages of the population come to live in the city.