CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Floods can manifest in river and lake regions when the flow rate exceeds the capacity of the water channels. Additionally, they can result from rainwater accumulation on already saturated ground (Dama, Ishaku, and Abdurrahman, 2014). Nigeria, positioned in West-Africa, has consistently faced vulnerability to seasonal flooding, making it one of the most affected countries on the African continent. Flooding is the most common and widespread natural hazard in Nigeria, accounting for approximately one-third of all disasters related to geophysical factors and impacting more people than any other natural hazard (Adebayo and Oruonye, 2012). Floods are similarly the most prevalent environmental hazard in Nigeria (Etuonovbe, 2011, as cited in Dama, Ishaku, and Abdurrahman, 2014). Many Nigerians in various regions of the country are grappling with the devastating consequences of flooded farmlands, including property damage worth millions of naira and the displacement of thousands of individuals, particularly farmers.
A reconnaissance survey in several states revealed that heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding also destroyed agricultural produce worth billions of naira (Eni, Atu, Oko, and Ekwok, 2011). Floods have adverse effects on the agricultural sector, food security, emotional well-being, and economic growth.
In Nigeria, the agriculture sector holds paramount importance in terms of rural employment, food and fiber sufficiency, and export income, particularly before the discovery of oil (Abdullahi, 2015). It has been noted that global food demand is expected to double between 1990 and 2030, with an increase of 2.5 to 3 times in developing nations and up to 5 times in sub-Saharan Africa (Daily et al., 1998). Despite this heightened global demand, food production in African countries remains insufficient, partly due to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and soil fertility degradation. Inadequate food security can lead to disasters that destabilize human populations and a nation's socio-economy. During floods, food security becomes a significant concern as affected areas are destroyed. As a result, flooding reduces yields, affects quality, and increases production costs (Jay and Donald, 1977). According to the OECD (2002), flood disasters can have both positive and negative impacts, including primary and secondary long-term effects on psychology, socio-economy, and food security, caused by development interventions, either directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally.
In Nigeria, Bayelsa state has been one of the most flood-prone states over the years, leading to significant losses of lives, properties, farmlands, displacement, and adverse impacts on socio-economic activities. Bayelsa state, is one of the areas susceptible to flooding, potentially due to human activities and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, along with natural climatic factors like heavy rainfall, river overflow, run-off, and gauge height (Sadiq, 2018). The extent and intensity of flooding vary from farm to farm and from year to year, resulting in significant losses of farmlands and agricultural produce. The prevalent type of flooding in the region is annual flooding caused by heavy rainfall and riverbank overflow. The seasonal and pronounced effects of floods on farmlands have negatively impacted food production in the area per unit area. Therefore, it is essential to assess the vulnerability of farmlands along major rivers in Bayelsa state.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Flooding is a major natural hazard that has a significant impact on agricultural activities in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The state is located in the Niger Delta region, which is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its low-lying topography, high rainfall rates, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
The impact of flooding on agricultural activities in Bayelsa State is significant. According to a study by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), flooding caused an average of $10 million in damage to the agricultural sector in the state each year between 2003 and 2012.
The impact of flooding on agricultural activities in Bayelsa State is particularly severe for smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of the state's agricultural workforce. Smallholder farmers often lack the resources to cope with the effects of flooding, and can be forced to abandon their farms and lose their livelihoods.
The problem of flooding in Bayelsa State is expected to worsen in the future due to climate change. Climate change is predicted to lead to more intense rainfall events and rising sea levels, both of which will increase the risk of flooding in the state.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is assess how positive reinforcement can affect students’ performance. Specific objectives of the study are:
- 1. To assess the impact of flooding on agricultural production in Bayelsa, Nigeria.
- 2. To identify the factors that make agricultural activities in Nigeria vulnerable to flooding.
- 3. To develop and evaluate strategies for mitigating the impact of flooding on agricultural activities in Bayelsa, Nigeria
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
1. What is the impact of flooding on agricultural production in Bayelsa State, Nigeria?
2. What are the factors that make agricultural activities vulnerable to flooding?
3. What effective strategies can be adopted and developed to mitigate the impact of flooding on agricultural activities in Bayelsa State, Nigeria?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
- Ho: There is no statistical significant relationship between flooding and agricultural production in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
- Hi: There is a statistical significant relationship between flooding and agricultural production in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the agricultural sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to Yenagao Local Government Area of bayelsa State. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
1.10 Definition of Terms
- Flooding: The inundation of land areas, typically caused by excessive rainfall, overflowing rivers, or other water bodies, resulting in the submergence of normally dry land.
- Agricultural Activities: The various tasks and processes involved in farming and crop production, including planting, cultivation, irrigation, harvesting, and post-harvest activities.
- Bayelsa State: A state located in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, known for its predominantly riverine terrain and vulnerability to flooding.
- Recurrent Flooding: Flooding events that happen periodically or repeatedly, often on a seasonal basis, causing frequent disruptions to agricultural activities.
- Crop Loss: The reduction or complete destruction of agricultural crops due to flooding, resulting in a decrease in yield and economic loss for farmers.
- Food Security: The state in which all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
- Economic Impact: The effects of flooding on the financial aspects of agriculture, including income, employment, and overall economic stability in Bayelsa State.
- Environmental Consequences: The adverse effects of flooding on the natural environment, including soil erosion, pollution, and ecosystem disruptions, which can impact agricultural sustainability.
- Adaptation Measures: Strategies and actions taken by farmers and communities to mitigate the impact of flooding on agriculture, such as flood-resistant crop varieties or improved water management practices.
- Social Disruption: The disturbance of social structures and daily life caused by flooding, including displacement of populations, damage to homes, and disruptions in education and healthcare services.
- Climate Change Implications: The potential effects of long-term shifts in climate patterns on the frequency and severity of flooding in Bayelsa State, with implications for agriculture and food security.
