Coastal Flooding Risk and Community Adaptive Strategies in the Western Niger Delta
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Date
2003
Authors
Fasona, M.J
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Volume Title
Publisher
Environment and Behaviour Association of Nigeria
Abstract
The Western Niger Delta is an extensive low-lying area exposed to flood risk for several months during the year from excessive discharge from sediment-laden Niger River, high rainfall from the area and coastal storm surges. This study employs remote sensing data and GIS to delineate and classify the susceptibly of the study area to flood risk. Economic and social implications of regular seasonal flooding of the area were also considered. The results show that a total land surface of about 3183.45km2 lies below 5m i.e. (between very high and moderate flood risk) and 1407km2 of this lies below 1m (i.e. very high flood risk). 88 built up areas (30 % of the total) with total area of about 9.69km2, and 78.1km2 of cultivated lands are always at the risk of serious impact by seasonal flooding. Local adaptive strategies of the inhabitants were examined and environmentally sustainable and locally appropriate coastal zone management strategies for flood management in the study area are suggested.
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Scholarly article
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Citation
Fasona, M.J (2003): Coastal Flooding Risk and Community Adaptive Strategies in the Western Niger Delta, Journal of Environment and Behavior, Vol 1, June 2003 p56-62, Environment and Behavior Association (EBAN), NIGERIA