ABSTRACT
Flooding as a land use problem is becoming one of the most environmental challenge menacing Benin metropolis in Edo State. Many parts of the metropolis experience flood regularly most especially during and after rains. Many efforts have been made to discover the major causes of such floods, but little has been done to ascertain the impacts of such floods.
This study was carried out to examine the economic and social implications of these floods in Isiohor Community Oviah North East Local Government Area of Benin City. This was done in relation to the socio-economic livelihood of the people in the study area. Primary and secondary data were used in the analysis of the study.
In all one hundred and twenty copies of a questionnaire were administered in strategic neighborhoods where respondents were randomly selected along major streets. But one hundred and ten returned questionnaires were valid for analysis. Bars, graphs and tables were the statistical techniques employed in analyzing the data. The study found that the major cause of flooding problem in Isiohor Community is poor drainage systems.
It also found that it had multiple negative effects on housing, agriculture, water supply, sanitary systems, and health. The study thus concludes that if the government is to embark on policy reforms and developmental projects that are poised to mitigate and remedy the flooding problem in Isiohor Community and Benin City as a whole, that is geared towards improving the quality of life, then it must focus on constructing deep drainages to augment the inadequate drainage systems in the area; build roads with drainage channels, and also better environmental sanitation practice to ensure that the drains when available are free at all times.
