In recent times the consequences of flooding on farmlands have been majorly attributed to climate change which has contributed to the distortions in the social and economic activities in Rivers State, Nigeria. This study aims to identify adaptive mitigative measures to manage the social and economic impact of farmlands flooding in selected communities in Etche Local Government Area in Rivers State. The objectives include the identification of the significant causes of farmland flooding in the study area, determining the social and economic impacts of farmland flooding in the study area, and identify mitigation measures put in place to combat farmland flooding in the study area. The study adopted the Mixed Methods Research approach using a concurrent triangulation research design. The data sources include questionnaire administration (using a 5-scale Likert Scale), key informant in-depth interviews, personal observation, photographs, and published materials from institutions. A total of 146 questionnaires were administered across these selected communities, including Nihi, Isu and Umuechem. A purposive sampling technique was deployed, and a total of 96 questionnaires were retrieved and validated for analysis. Some of the leading causes of farmland flooding include the blockage of storm-water channels, overgrazing and bush burning, overpopulation due to increased development (structures), heavy rainfall and drainage failure. The study further revealed that the social and economic impacts on farmland, communities and inhabitants are depression, stress, anger, and social vices. Other effects include loss of farmland and produce, increase in goods and services, loss of livelihood system, loss of income and damage to properties. The anticipated mitigative measures by respondents are a collaboration of stakeholders (farmers, communities, and government agencies), warning signals, reconstruction of failed drainages, quick responses, and adequate relief materials. In addition, the study recommended proper education and enlightenment of the vulnerable population on how to avoid the negative consequences of flood disasters. vulnerable people should prepare for any eventuality, real-time data on flood vulnerability mapping of the study area to enable the government, government agencies like the (NIMET) and the vulnerable population to know the extent of flooding and duration of every flooding episode. Furthermore, effective Spatial planning of those vulnerable communities to reduce the negative consequences of flood disaster and afforestation should be encouraged to mitigate adverse impacts of the flood.
The study aimed to assess the dynamics of land use changes in the urban environment of Yenagoa City, Nigeria as to understand the changes, consequences and ameliorate the changes. Objectives of the study are to determine land use changes that are evident in the study between 1996 to 2020; identify and assess the causes and dynamics of the land use changes that are evident in the study area; ddetermine the consequences of land use changes in the urban environment of the study area; and provide physical planning measures to monitor, control and manage land use changes in Yenagoa City to promote the sustainable urban environment. The study employed a Mixed Methods Research approach of concurrent triangulation and longitudinal research designs for the collection and analyses of data in the study. The study also employed remote sensing technique, Geographic Information Systems, and time series analysis techniques to collect and analyse data for the study. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were employed for the collection of data. A total of 9 communities were chosen and sampled and 396 respondents (households) were determined and interviewed as sample size using the Taro Yamane formula. Key informants from government agencies and professionals were interviewed using their responses as themes and concepts for content analysis. The study revealed that there are significant land-use changes such as water bodies, vegetation, and built-up areas between 1996-2020. The study also identified population increases and the demand for land for urban development. The study also identified the dynamics that have caused these changes including an increase in the household size, nearness to the workplace, improve security, cheap rent, increase in migrants, employment opportunities and lack of implementation of the development plan. The consequences identified by the study include constant changes in water bodies, vegetation and built-up areas, the prevalence of flooding, encroachment to marginal lands, slum and squatter development, constant pollution, and modification of the social environment. The study recommends that; to achieve a sustainable urban development including the Yenagoa Master Plan of 2004 should be reviewed and implemented guide, control and manage urban land-use changes, the establishment of an urban land-use framework that will foster synergy of all physical planning agencies and institutions, planning and re-planning of new neighbourhoods and existing communities, continuous urban studies of land-use and environment management and encourage citizen education and participation in environmental management in the city.
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