CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Floods pose a universal challenge due to the ever-changing patterns of climate. Typically, floods occur as a result of extreme weather conditions, such as prolonged rainfall, which can be further intensified by human activities and the geographical location of an area (Amadi and Aleru, 2019). According to Nelson (2001), floods are a natural outcome of the continuous alterations in the environment's stream flow.
Sada (1988) defines flooding as the occurrence of abnormally high rates of water discharge, often leading to the submersion of land near rivers, primarily caused by intense or prolonged precipitation. Flooding not only poses a significant risk to populations living along riversides and floodplains but also has considerable impacts on the environment, including aquatic wildlife, plant life, and bank erosion.
Flooding is a global natural disaster that has significant consequences on human lives, property damage, and the extinction of species in the environment. It poses a threat to the overall environmental quality. In fact, the presence of flooding is used as an indicator when assessing the environmental quality of residential neighborhoods. Other environmental hazards, such as drought, desert encroachment, soil erosion, and tsunamis, also contribute to these concerns (Mfon et al., 2022).
In Nigeria, flooding is increasingly becoming a more severe and frequent issue. It is considered one of the most devastating hazards expected to rise in various regions worldwide, partly due to global climate change and inadequate governance (Agbonkhese et al., 2014).
Nigeria experiences flooding in three primary forms, namely river flooding, urban flooding, and coastal flooding, as explained by Gwary (2008) and Adeoti (2010). The combination of heavy rainfall and detrimental human activities regarding the environment, along with the lack of adequate drainage infrastructure in many Nigerian cities, has resulted in the distress and displacement of numerous individuals.
It is crucial to note that urban flooding can contaminate water sources and facilitate the spread of epidemic diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, scabies, cholera, malaria, dysentery, and other waterborne illnesses. Flooding in Nigeria has a significant impact on the agricultural sector, which holds great importance for the country's economy, food security, and people's livelihoods. The consequences of flooding on agricultural activities are far-reaching, affecting various aspects of production and productivity. One of the primary outcomes is the extensive damage to crops, which are often washed away or completely destroyed by the floodwaters. This is particularly prevalent in areas prone to sudden flash floods or riverine floods.
Livestock, including fish in water bodies or ponds, as well as grazing lands, also bear the brunt of flooding, resulting in substantial losses or displacement. Even if the livestock survive the flooding, they remain vulnerable to various diseases due to their exposure to contaminated floodwaters. These floodwaters are typically contaminated and pose a significant risk as they can harbor disease-causing pathogens.
The relationship between the displacement of farmers and their ability to engage in agricultural activities is evident and interconnected. When farmers are displaced due to flooding, they encounter significant challenges in carrying out their farming practices, leading to substantial disruptions. Floodwaters wash away the top layer of soil, known as topsoil, which is the most fertile part of the soil and contains essential organic matter and nutrients for crop growth. This displacement of topsoil results in a decline in soil fertility and its ability to sustain agricultural production.
Furthermore, when flooding occurs, waterlogged conditions prevail, depriving crops' roots of the necessary oxygen for respiration. As a result, anaerobic conditions develop, leading to the death of beneficial microbes in the soil. Anaerobic organisms take over in these conditions and produce toxic byproducts, which can harm or even kill the crops. Additionally, these chemical reactions can have detrimental effects on both the crops and the soil fauna (International Climate Change Development Initiative Africa, 2020).
Flooding has far-reaching consequences for agricultural activities that extend beyond the immediate loss of crops. Farmers experience significant financial burdens as their crops are damaged or lost, resulting in reduced income and heightened food insecurity. The disruption in agricultural production has a domino effect on the entire food supply chain, leading to decreased availability of food, higher prices, and limited access to nutritious food for the population. Additionally, the livelihoods of rural communities that rely on agriculture are severely impacted, causing economic instability and an increase in poverty rates.
The focus of this study is to examine the specific impact of flooding on agricultural activities within the context of Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The primary focus of this study is to examine the impact of flooding on agricultural activities in Nigeria. Flooding presents significant challenges to farmers, resulting in the loss of crops, displacement of livestock, outbreaks of diseases, and disruptions in agricultural practices. These detrimental effects have far-reaching implications for food security, rural livelihoods, and the overall agricultural sector in any country.
While the impact of flooding on agriculture in Nigeria has been acknowledged through news reports and observations, there remains a need for a comprehensive understanding of the problem within the Nigerian context. Conducting a thorough investigation into the impact of flooding on agricultural activities is essential for developing effective strategies and interventions to mitigate the negative consequences and enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector. Therefore, the objective of this study is to delve into the specific impact of flooding on agricultural activities in Nigeria.
1.3 Aim of the Study
The aim of this study is to assess the impact of flooding on agricultural activities in Nigeria.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of this study are as follows:
- To evaluate the extent of crop losses caused by flooding in Nigeria.
- To assess the impact of flooding on livestock displacement and disease outbreaks in agricultural areas.
- To examine the changes in farming practices and agricultural infrastructure resulting from flooding.
- To analyze the socio-economic implications of flooding on farmers and rural communities.
- To propose strategies and interventions to mitigate the impact of flooding on agricultural activities and enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector.
1.5 Research Questions
- What is the extent of crop losses caused by flooding in Nigeria?
- How does flooding impact livestock displacement and disease outbreaks in agricultural areas?
- What are the changes in farming practices and agricultural infrastructure resulting from flooding?
- What are the socio-economic implications of flooding on farmers and rural communities?
- What strategies and interventions can be proposed to mitigate the impact of flooding on agricultural activities and enhance sector resilience?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
The study will test the following research hypothesis:
H0: Flooding has no significant impact on agricultural activities in Nigeria.
H1: Flooding has a significant impact on agricultural activities in Nigeria.
1.7 Justification of the Study
The study's significance lies in its contribution to understanding the adverse effects of flooding on agricultural activities in Nigeria. By assessing the extent of crop losses, livestock displacement, changes in farming practices, and the socio-economic implications for farmers and rural communities, the study will provide valuable insights. These insights can inform policymakers, agricultural stakeholders, and disaster management agencies in developing appropriate strategies to mitigate the impact of flooding and enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector.
1.8 Scope of the Study
This study focuses specifically on the impact of flooding on agricultural activities in Nigeria. It considers the effects on crop production, livestock management, changes in farming practices, and the socio-economic implications for farmers and rural communities. The study will primarily rely on empirical data collected from flood-affected agricultural areas in Nigeria.
