FLOODING CHALLENGES AND COPING STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITIESIN SOME FLOOD PRONE AREAS OF BENUE STATE

Caroline N. Igbo- Uchi, PhD
Department of Geography,
College of Education, Katsina-Ala, Benue State.
[email protected]

Abstract
Flooding is one of the most common and destructive natural disasters which are getting
worse due to climate change. Annually, during the peak of the rainy season, rivers
Foverflow their banks; destroying farmlands, aquatic farms, properties, infrastructural
facilities and displacing thousands of residents, and businesses, thereby creating acute food insecurity and significant damages and disruptions in flood prone communities in Benue State. Despite this ugly reoccurring scenario, little is known about the coping strategies by the residents when flooding occurs. Using the mixed method, this article examines the coping strategies employed by households in the six LGAs of Makurdi, Buruku, Guma, Gwer- West, Logo, and Katsina-Ala. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 399 heads of households stratified into six LGAs. The study employed descriptive and inferential statistics for data analysis. The findings reveal that the commonest coping strategies adapted were: temporary vacation of homes, transfer of relevant properties to neighbors and building of flood culverts and drainage channels. The study then recommends among other measures, that government should take proactive steps on adequate land use and watershed planning and structural flood mitigation with physical structures.

Keywords: Flooding Challenges, Food Security, Coping Strategies, flood-prone areas.