ECONOMIC IMPACT OF FLOODING: ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURAL DISRUPTIONS IN IBENO, AKWA IBOM STATE.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Floods are hydrological phenomena in which a usually arid region or parcel of land experiences a sudden inundation of water (Abua, 2019). Floods are a prevalent global occurrence and rank among the most frequent natural disasters (Ewan, 2021). Floods can manifest in various regions worldwide and result from diverse sources, such as abundant precipitation, snowmelt, elevated sea levels, and the malfunction of artificial constructions like dams. Floods have the potential to inflict substantial harm on residences, commercial establishments, and infrastructure, while also posing a threat to human well-being (Rasheed et al., 2022).

Approximately 2.8 billion individuals worldwide have been impacted by floods, resulting in more than 200,000 deaths in the last thirty years (Ewan, 2021). The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 identified four key areas of focus to prevent and mitigate disaster risks: comprehending disaster risk, enhancing disaster risk governance, investing in disaster reduction for resilience, and improving disaster preparedness for effective response (Taye et al., 2020). Environmental hazards such as flooding have been a longstanding occurrence. However, what is noteworthy is the increasing magnitude of the damage inflicted on individuals and infrastructure due to the frequent and widespread floods witnessed in developing countries such as Nigeria. Research on water, poverty, and flood has shown a rise in the occurrence and strength of floods in recent years. This has affected agriculture, health, and education, and has also led to deaths, injuries, and homelessness (Asher et al., 2017). The floods in Nigeria in recent years reached such a level of destruction that it was officially classified as a national catastrophe. Akwa Ibom State was among the most severely affected states by the flood, along with 33 other states out of the total 36 in the country.

In Nigeria, floods manifest in several forms including coastal flooding, river flooding, flash floods, urban flooding, and dam spills. The occurrence of flooding in Akwa Ibom is frequently associated with the rivers located in the interior regions, where sudden and intense rainfall can rapidly transform them into destructive torrents (Oku et al., 2021). Flood incidents arise from human activities such as constructing buildings on drainage channels, encroaching on land, inadequate environmental planning, obstructing inland rivers, and insufficient drainage channels.  According to Unyime et al (2023), the presence of unlawful structures beside waterways has negative consequences for rural residents and agricultural livelihoods. Some natural impacts consist of the characteristics of the land's surface, intense rainstorms, the movement of water from the ground, and the phenomenon of global warming.  Floods usually result from severe meteorological conditions, such as prolonged rainfall, which are worsened by the geographical location and human activity (Joy & Edet, 2018).

Flooding is a substantial natural calamity that has extensive economic ramifications, especially in places that heavily rely on agriculture. Nigeria, characterised by its varied climatic conditions and huge river systems, frequently encounters floods that has a significant impact on multiple sectors, including agriculture (Ikpe, 2023). Ibeno, situated in Akwa Ibom State, is a location where flooding significantly affects agricultural activities. Flooding has a significant impact on various elements of agricultural production and productivity. Crops can be damaged or destroyed by flooding. Following a flood, crops are frequently unable to be salvaged. Regions prone to flash floods or riverine floods often experience the loss or displacement of livestock, including fish in weakly constructed water bodies or ponds. Additionally, grazing lands for livestock are also lost in these areas (Ikpe, 2023). Oftentimes, although livestock is not entirely destroyed, they are susceptible to various diseases as a result of being exposed to floodwater, which is unsanitary and prone to contamination by disease-causing bacteria. There is a definite correlation between displacement of farmers and their inability to cultivate crops and raise livestock (Ini et al., 2024). During the year 2024, Ibeno, a region in Akwa Ibom state, had significant damage to residential properties and agricultural areas due to flash floods (Job, 2024).

Ibeno is located in the coastal area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, which exposes it to the risk of floods caused by intense precipitation and the increasing levels of the sea. The region's topography, which consists of low-lying terrain and close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, amplifies the vulnerability to floods (Utibe et al., 2022). In 2024, Ibeno encountered a substantial inundation that greatly interrupted agricultural operations, which serve as a main means of sustenance for the local populace. This study examines the economic consequences of the 2024 floods on agricultural operations in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State. The objective is to evaluate the magnitude of crop and livestock damages, examine the economic repercussions for farmers and the local economy, and investigate the actions and adjustments made by the agricultural community in response to flooding. Therefore, the investigation is necessary.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Agriculture constitutes over 30% of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with over 70% of Nigerians involved in some type of agricultural pursuit (Alim, 2023). Nigeria utilises almost 70 million hectares of land for cultivating several significant cash crops such as maize, cassava, guinea corn, yams, beans, millet, rice and others (Orok, 2023). Hence, it is imperative to thoroughly examine the repercussions of the floods on Nigeria's food sector, considering that agriculture continues to be a fundamental aspect of Nigerian society.

Flooding has several impacts on food accessibility, including a reduction in food availability, increased difficulty in obtaining food, and elevated prices. AFEX, a commodities exchange headquartered in Nigeria, predicts that a combination of flooding and other factors will result in a 12% decrease in maize production and a 21% decrease in rice production in Nigeria compared to the previous year. The current situation is the most severe in the past ten years, as stated by Ibidapo (2024). Nigeria has been identified by the World Food Programme and the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation as one of six countries at a high risk of experiencing severe hunger levels due to the devastating effects of flooding. An estimated 19 million individuals in Nigeria experience food insecurity, with 14.7 million Nigerian children suffering from malnutrition (WFP, FAO, 2023). Nigeria currently depends on $10 billion worth of food imports to address its deficiencies in food and agricultural output, namely in the areas of wheat, rice, chicken, and fish. Despite being the second most significant economic activity after crude oil, agriculture is nevertheless essential. The aquaculture industry and fish farming are also affected by the imminent food scarcity (David, 2022). The occurrence of floods results in the depletion of fish population, which in turn leads to a decline in the farmers' earnings and the loss of a significant source of protein nutrients (Paul et al., 2024).

Ibikunle (2024) asserts that smallholder farmers constitute 88% of the agricultural workforce in Nigeria. These farmers engage in the cultivation, processing, and consumption of produce straight from their fields. Nevertheless, small-scale farmers bear the brunt of flooding disasters. A recent research review conducted by Boniface et al. (2023) shown that flooding results in the loss of the main source of revenue for smallholder farmers, who also experience a lack of money to buy food from the market. This also triggers a cycle in which exorbitant expenses hinder farmers from purchasing seeds or seedlings, hence impacting their ability to produce. Smallholder farmers can also be impacted by flooding due to the substantial destruction of public infrastructure, which restricts their ability to reach food markets (Okokon, 2023). The deteriorating infrastructure has significant implications for small-scale farmers. For example, farmers are unable to obtain necessary inputs such as seeds or fertilisers, as well as access markets to sell their products. Furthermore, supply chain interruptions resulted in price hikes and the loss of agricultural produce and stored reserves. This study aims to assess the economic consequences of flooding on agricultural interruption in Ibeno in 2024, considering the current situation.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically analyse the economic impact of flooding on agricultural disruption in Ibeno in 2024. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To investigate the extent of damage to agricultural infrastructure in Ibeno as a result of flooding in 2024.

To examine the agricultural losses incurred due to flooding in Ibeno in 2024

To analyze the economic impact of these agricultural losses on farmers' incomes and the local economy.

To suggest measures and interventions to support agricultural resilience and economic recovery in flood-prone areas

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study;

What is the extent of damage to agricultural infrastructure in Ibeno as a result of flooding in 2024?

What is the agricultural losses incurred due to flooding in Ibeno in 2024?

What is the economic impact of these agricultural losses on farmers' incomes and the local economy?

What are the measures and interventions to support agricultural resilience and economic recovery in flood-prone areas?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following research hypotheses will validate this study;

Ho: The extent of damage to agricultural infrastructure in Ibeno as a result of flooding in 2024 is low.

Ha: The extent of damage to agricultural infrastructure in Ibeno as a result of flooding in 2024 is high.

1.6 Significance of the study

Examining the economic consequences of flooding and assessing the disruptions to agriculture in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, is crucial for comprehending the local susceptibilities and effects. Additionally, it plays a vital role in directing policy measures and fostering sustainable development in response to the challenges posed by climate change. 

Moreover, the results of this study can provide valuable insights to local and regional officials regarding the precise difficulties encountered by agricultural industries as a result of flooding. Acquiring this knowledge is crucial for formulating efficient plans and policies to reduce risks, improve readiness for disasters, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Moreover, upcoming scholars will utilise it as a thorough examination of the current scholarly literature. Hence, those with a vested interest in this field of study can confidently depend on this work as a reliable and meticulously evaluated source of information.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically analyses the economic impact of flooding on agricultural disruption in Nigeria in 2024. Specifically, this study seeks to investigate the extent of damage to agricultural infrastructure in Nigeria as a result of flooding in 2024, determine the crop and livestock losses incurred due to flooding in Nigeria in 2024, the economic impact of these agricultural losses on farmers' incomes and the local economy and it also seeks to suggest measures and interventions to support agricultural resilience and economic recovery in flood-prone areas.

The study is carried out in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom state.

1.8 Limitations of the study

Like in any human attempt, the researchers encountered several small limits during the investigation. The primary constraint was the dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic, given the scarcity of data pertaining to economic impact of flooding on agricultural disruption in Ibeno in 2024. Therefore, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to identify the suitable materials, books, or information and to collect data. 

Moreover, this study is limited by its diminutive sample size and restricted geographical range, concentrating just on Lagos. Hence, the findings of this study cannot be extrapolated, thereby necessitating additional research. 

Furthermore, the researcher's restraints were predominantly attributable to financial limitations, as they are a student without a means of revenue to support themselves. The research location's high transportation costs, impacted by current inflation in Nigeria, made it difficult to afford transportation fees.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while simultaneously meeting the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational pursuits.

1.9 Definition of terms

Flood: Flood is an overflow of water onto normally dry land. The inundation of a normally dry area caused by rising water in an existing waterway, such as a river, stream, or drainage ditch. Ponding of water at or near the point where the rain fell. Flooding is a longer term event than flash flooding: it may last days or weeks.

Flood pattern: Flood pattern" refers to the correlation and relationship between various parameters, such as rainfall and temperature, that contribute to the occurrence and severity of floods.

Urbanization: Urbanization is the process through which cities grow, and higher and higher percentages of the population come to live in the city.

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