Abstract
Human populations are exposed to climate change directly through changing weather patterns as manifested in the more frequent extreme events and indirectly through changes in ecosystem functions. Rainstorm disasters are common events associated with environmental change and settlements in Kwara state, Nigeria were ravaged by rainstorm events between 2003 and 2006. More than 1000 households were displaced from their habitual homes with consequences for human health and other adjustment challenges. This paper examines the variations in the post-disaster adjustment challenges of rural and urban households so as to identify location specific intervention strategies in the domains of environ- ment and health of the victims. A sample of 200 households was drawn from all households affected by rainstorm disaster as reflected in the FEMA records during the period. A structured questionnaire was administered in addition to the secondary data and analyzed using relevant statistical techniques. The findings include that most households required support before replacing the roofs and/or walls of their homes. Sources of support however vary. Urban households received more institutional support but lower than the amount required for the renovation. A signifficant proportion of urban households moved to poorer homes where they faced challenges relating to the quality of environmental services. Many urban respondents also reported increases in the occurrence of water-borne and weather-related diseases and ailments. Rural households indicated no signi$cant ecological differences between their former homes and the areas to which they relocated. The paper concludes that signi$cant variations exist in the adjustment challenges faced by rural and urban dwellers after a disaster. Community efforts hold promise for emergency response particularly during disasters in rural areas.
Highlights
Introduction and background to the studyThe magnitude of vulnerability to hazards and disasters varies in terms of geographical location, seasonality and exposure of population and infrastructure
The primary data were extracted from a structured questionnaire administered to two hundred heads of households sampled from the victims of rainstorm disasters in Kwara State between 2003 and 2006
This result conforms with the expectation that in rural areas, farm land distribution is scattered and an ample opportunity exists for farmers to farm in land parcels that are less susceptible to flooding or to relocate to other parcels when farms are affected by floods
Summary
Introduction and background to the studyThe magnitude of vulnerability to hazards and disasters varies in terms of geographical location, seasonality and exposure of population and infrastructure. Socio-cultural and economic factors play a key role in the vulnerability of certain groups to disasters (ICIMOD, 2009). These factors can have a marked impact on the success or failure of risk reduction strategies in communities. This is because they often influence the readiness to adopt, modify or reject safety measures offered through outside assistance like governments or NGOs. Post-disaster adjustment, like vulnerability, is determined by a range of factors, including the extent of unplanned urbanization, the nature of physical assets and economic activities, and the state of the environment. Recognition of the role of socio-economic factors is important and underlines the fact that technical solutions are necessary but not sufficient
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