ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACTS OF FLOODING ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT

This study examined the impacts of flooding on socio-economic activities in Benin City, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to identify the factors responsible for flooding, to ascertain the impacts of flooding on socio-economic activities and to identify the adaptation strategies adopted to combat the menace of flooding. A total of 400 respondents were selected using systematic sampling technique in ten flood prone locations. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the impacts of flooding on 8 socio-economic activities. Descriptive statistics such as bar graphs, pie charts and tables were also employed in the presentation of retrieved data. The findings  reveals that increasing rainfall, nature of terrain, soil nature, climate change, improper disposal of waste, blocked drainage, small sized culvert among others were the causes of flooding. It also revealed that the impacts of flooding on the socio-economic activities were mostly negative on socio-economic activities such as Transportation, Agriculture, Religious activities, Environmental sustainability, Social infrastructure, Environmental aesthetics, Rental regime. The study concludes that increasing rainfall and obstruction of drainages are primarily responsible for flooding. The impacts of flooding in the selected locations were primarily increase in transport fare and reduction in rental value. The study therefore recommends the provision of drainages and the maintenance of the previous ones in flood prone locations so as to accommodate water (especially storm water flow) in the study area is pertinent.