Flood Risk Management and its Compliance in Loko Community Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Flood risk management functions to reduce socio-economic and human resources associated with disasters. This study investigates flood risk administration for the socio-demographic progress of the Loko Community in the Song local government area in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study’s objective was to evaluate the compliance levels to flood risk management practices, challenges and interventions adopted to address the concerns. The study utilized a case study research design while targeting a population of 4,200 inhabitants comprising, 800 households, 20 NEMA staff and 40 ADSEMA staff. The findings indicated that floods significantly affects the socio-economic condition and livelihoods of the people. Moreover, the study found that institutional, cultural, and demographic factors limited compliance to FRM practices, necessitating the adoption of appropriate interventions. Therefore, it is necessary because homes far from flood-prone areas will mitigate the adverse flood effects. Similarly, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives through the Extension Services should incentivize the communities through funding to increase the area cultivated on the upland to enhance the food security at the household level. There should be increased support programmes for the affected, and viable farmers prioritized for the support programmes. The study concludes that there is a need to develop better and appropriate measures to prepare and mitigate the effects of floods. Socio-economic problems such as poverty, livelihood profile, cultural views, the position of weaker social groups, and the rights of minorities and ethnic groups must be addressed urgently.