Effects of Flood on Food Security, Livelihood and Socio-economic Characteristics in the Flood-prone Areas of the Core Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the effects of flood risk levels on food security, livelihood and socio-economic characteristics in the flood-prone areas of the core Niger Delta, Nigeria using a descriptive survey design and 790 respondents were selected with the aid of a multistage stratified sampling technique in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States, representing the core Niger Delta. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis and presentation of data. The findings of the study showed that 75.3% of the respondents agreed that basic food is scarce after all flood incident. However, 69.9% attested to the fact that growth and development of crops are affected when flood washes away farmlands. It can also be seen that flood increases food insecurity, unavailability of staple food and malnutrition as agreed by 78.3% of the total respondents. Furthermore, 77.1% of respondents agreed that flood increases the inability of plants to absorb essential nutrients necessary for proper growth while 71.4% agreed that flooding leads to the erosion or loss of the nutritional status of crops planted in the communities. Also, 69.9% agreed that the washing away of farmlands have led to chronic, long-lasting food insecurity in the communities. Further evidence from the study shows that 75.6% of respondents agreed that the incident of flood leads to acute food insecurity which affects the livelihood of the residents. It is also revealed that flood affects households or residents' investments (64.7%) and losing occupation and source of income from flooding leads to difficulty in caring for the children (60.9%). It is concluded that floods have reduced the efficiencies of farmland in terms of food production causing food insecurity, income reduction and poor livelihood among the residents of the core the Niger Delta States. The study, therefore, recommended that communities should advocate, promote and inculcate the spirit of the commitment of individuals and households towards the continued and holistic development (via social, economic, health, and infrastructural), food security, and increased livelihood in flood-prone communities. The Ministry of Agriculture should ensure that smart agriculture is adopted as a way out to resolve the issues of flood-induced food insecurity and structural measures like dams, culverts, drainages and ditches should be constructed by government and her intervention agencies to accommodate and reduce the runoff or overflow of floodwaters which causes severe social, economic and infrastructural damages or impacts during flooding.

Flooding, Food Security and the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria: An Assemblage and Systems Thinking Approach

“…It is one of the 10 countries most vulnerable and at risk of food insecurity due to climate change, economic crises, and conflict (World Food Programme 2020). It experiences annual flooding in many of its states and the impact on its food security is widely acknowledged (Durodola 2019;Metu et al 2016;Week and Wizor 2020). In July 2021, the country's president blamed flooding for the rising food insecurity (Ogundele 2021).…”

“…In July 2021, the country's president blamed flooding for the rising food insecurity (Ogundele 2021). Although other factors impact food security, ranging from insecurity (which prevents farmers access to their lands) to communal clashes among farmers and herdsmen (Echendu 2021a;Furini 2019;Kralovec 2020;Lawal 2020;Ogundipe et al 2020), flooding remains a top factor (Chukwu 2014;Madukwe et al 2019;Week and Wizor 2020). Agriculture, fisheries, and aquaculture, the primary food sources in Nigeria, are all negatively affected by flooding.…”

The Impact of Flood Damage on Farmers, Agricultural Sector and Food Security in Laos: A Regional Case Study of Champhone District, Savannaket Province

“…It makes it difficult to take care of family members, especially children. In addition, those living in floodprone areas face poor living conditions (Week & Wizor, 2020).…”

Geospatial Mapping and Assessment of Flood-prone Communities in the Core Niger Delta, Nigeria

“…The yearly occurrence of flooding in the core Niger Delta has led to the devastation or destruction of a large expanse of land including cultivated farmlands like that witnessed in Kolaware Community in Patani Local Government Area of Delta State were the 2018 flooding incidents led to the loss of their major crops like yam, plantain, okra and cocoyam. Also, the extent of the flood that occurred in Akinima community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State led to the destruction of crops like plantain, cassava and banana [11]. Interestingly, it is important to state categorically that flood hazard in the core Niger Delta is real.…”

“…Interestingly, it is important to state categorically that flood hazard in the core Niger Delta is real. Wizor and Week [11] revealed that food security, livelihood and socio-economic characteristics of flood-prone areas of the core Niger Delta has been negatively impacted by flooding particularly with regards to the destruction of farmlands and other sources of livelihood leading to food insecurity, income reduction, and poor livelihood among the residents of the core Niger Delta States.…”