Abstract
For this study, geospatial technology was used to assess agricultural lands vulnerable to flooding in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Six thematic layers of factors influencing flood occurrences in the study area were generated from monthly rainfall, land use/cover, drainage density, soil, digital elevation model and slope. Pairwise comparison of the Analytical Hierarchy Process was used to derive the weights for each factor using expert’s judgements and literature. Weighted overlay model from the spatial analysis tool in the ArcGIS 10.4 environment was used to perform the vulnerability modelling. Expert’s judgement on the relative factors influencing flood in the study area was: rainfall (25%), elevation (22%), slope (20%), drainage density (13%), soil type (8%) and land use/cover (12%). The consistency ratio of the analysis was reasonable: (CR= 0.078). Results from the model demonstrated land vulnerability to urban agricultural flooding in the study area ranging from areas of very highly vulnerable to very low vulnerable areas, with farmlands along the floodplains of River Benue falls within the very highly vulnerable areas. The elements at Risk are; Farmland 537.6 (66.1%), Irrigation Land 40.5 (5.0%) and Built-up Land 125.8 (15.5%).
Highlights
Flooding refers to a condition in which a dry land area is covered by water resulting from excessive rainfall, overflow of rivers/dams, the dam burst, blockade of waterways, earthquake/tsunamis, high tide and protective release of water from dams (Ologunorisa, 2004)
Climate change and variability from anthropogenic activities have significant influences the elements of weather and climate comprising heavy and concentrated precipitations; environmental woes consisting of indiscriminate disposal of refuse in drainages and waterways, bush burning and destruction of vegetal cover, excessive cultivation and grazing activities are among the factors intensifying the occurrence of flooding in globally (Rogelj et al, 2012; IPCC, 2013; Kriegler et al, 2013)
The slope of the study area ranges between 0 to 56%. This implies that flat areas with a gentle slope can hold rainfall, which facilitates the accumulation of water on the surface
Summary
Flooding refers to a condition in which a dry land area is covered by water resulting from excessive rainfall, overflow of rivers/dams, the dam burst, blockade of waterways, earthquake/tsunamis, high tide and protective release of water from dams (Ologunorisa, 2004). Flood is a major threat to urban agriculture, food production, food prices, and the nutritive and microbial quality of harvested food materials. It is the critical driver of food insecurity and malnutrition that induces migration and community conflict, which prejudices the capability of the government to function effectively in the affected areas (Lynch et al, 2001; De Zeeuw et al, 2001). Flood has a significant influence on vector-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile fever (WHO, 2001; Tapsell et al, 2012; Munro et al, 2017; Paavola, 2017). Paterson et al (2018)
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