Spatial Assessment of Flood Vulnerablity in Resettlement Sites in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The research aims to examine the spatio-temporal characteristics of flooding and the implications of a sustainable resettlement scheme in Niger State, Nigeria. The methodology involves a literature review of existing data sources and a survey of affected areas. Geospatial techniques were adopted and structural questionnaires were used to enlist information from the residents of the affected areas. The findings revealed that flooding is a major concern in Niger State, Nigeria. Specifically, in Gurmana community, about 25.58% of the total area is on a very high-risk area. 13.89% in a high-risk area, 11.51% in moderate-risk area, and 16.67% are in no-risk area. Similarly, 38.66% of the land area in Akere is in a very high-risk area, 27.5% in a high-risk area, 9.85% in a moderate-risk area, while 4.26% are in low-risk areas and 19.73% is no-risk area that now accomodate the New Akere. Additionally, in Maito, about 55.44% are on very high-risk, 38.39% high-risk, while 4.32% moderate-risk area, 1.4% low-risk areas and 0.45% are no risk areas. Furthermore, in Essan, about 57.02% are on very high-risk, 30.67% high-risk areas, 8.43% moderate-risk areas, whereas 2.86% and 1.02% are low and no-risk areas respectively. The result unvail the high-level risk typical of the riverine communities, justifying the need for immediate proactive actions for enhanced resilience across the wetland communities. The research recommends that the government the resettlement scheme to reduce the negative effects of flooding.