Ecological Effects and Vulnerability Assessment of Flooding in Udu Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study is based on the ecological effects and vulnerability assessment of flooding within Udu Local Government in the Delta State region. This research adopted the survey design. Five (5) flood vulnerable communities which represent the major subdivisions in Udu were investigated. Stratified random technique of sampling was used to divide the communities into quarters for effectiveness in data collection, while simple random technique was adopted in the collection of data. Data collection was on the communities covered by flood, causative factors of flooding, and the resultant effects on human inhabitants, environment, and the prevailing economic activities within the region. Data collection was through direct field survey and the use of questionnaires. The instrument’s level of reliability was achieved at 0.89 using the test-retest method; while instrument validity was determined by experts’ judgements. Data collected were analysed using the descriptive, ANOVA and regression statistics. Results showed that the communities investigated are vulnerable to flooding; significant difference was not found in the observed causative factors of flooding among the vulnerable communities; the effect of flooding is high within the study area; the differences in the effects of flooding within the different flood vulnerable communities in the study area is not significant at 0.05 level of confidence; and no significant relationship exists between the causative factors and the effects of flooding at 0.05 level of confidence. Therefore, good settlement planning, construct of drainage, and selective terrain cultivation are recommended.

Keywords: Ecosystem, environmental hazard, flood, interaction, vulnerability

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