FLOODING CHALLENGES ON FOOD SECURITY AND COPING STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITIES AT SOME FLOOD PRONE AREAS OF BENUE STATE | Nigerian Association Of Hydrological Sciences (NAHS)

FLOODING CHALLENGES ON FOOD SECURITY AND COPING STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITIES AT SOME FLOOD PRONE AREAS OF BENUE STATE

Publication Date : 31/10/2024


Author(s) :

CAROLINE N. IGBO-UCHI, PhD.


Volume/Issue :
Volume 10
,
Issue 12
(10 - 2024)



Abstract :

Flooding is one of the most common and destructive natural disasters which are getting worse due to climate change. Annually, during the peak of rainy season, communities close to rivers overflow their banks; destroying farmlands, aquatic farms, properties, infrastructural facilities and displacing thousands of residents, and businesses, thereby creating acute food insecurity and significant damages and disruptions in flood prone areas in Benue State. Despite this ugly reoccurring scenario, little is known about the coping strategies used by the residents when flooding occurs. Using mixed method, this article examines the coping strategies employed by households in Makurdi, Katsina- Ala, Guma and LGAs. 450 heads of households residing in these affected LGAs were systematically selected to fill in questionnaires, while key informants comprising of chiefs and representatives of flood management institutions were chosen for in depth intervals. The findings reveals that the commonest coping strategies adapted were: temporary vacation of homes, transfer of relevant properties to neighbors and building of flood culverts and drainage channels. The study then recommends among other measures that, government should take proactive steps on adequate land use and watershed planning and there should be structural flood mitigation with physical structures. Keywords: Flooding Challenges, Food Security, Coping Strategies, Benue State.


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