EXAMINING THE EFFECT OF FLOODING ON DISEASE OUTBREAK IN RURAL COMMUNITIES IN LAGOS STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Flooding is a significant global concern that frequently causes damage to communities, physical infrastructure, and social organizations. Flooding occurs when there is an excessive amount of water in bodies of water, causing it to overflow onto dry land. Floods arise when the volume of water surpasses the capacity of its natural pathways and when bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and dams are unable to absorb or retain the excess water. Beyond that, floods are caused by a combination of factors including intense rainfall, strong winds over water, dam failures or releases, and reduced vegetation due to bush burning (Oriola, 2023). Additional concerns include the illegal disposal of waste in rivers, unfavourable urban planning, socio-cultural practices such as rubbish disposal sites and shrines, construction in flood-prone areas, and the ongoing global problem of climate change. 

Furthermore, floods are currently recognized as the most prevalent natural calamity, resulting in significant loss of life in communities worldwide (Doocy 2023). Therefore, the necessity to reduce the effects of floods has emerged as a matter of public concern on a worldwide scale, as evidenced by several international agreements such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and currently the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary elements that contribute to the incidence of flooding are the continuous rise in global population growth rates and socioeconomic activity in places prone to flooding. Furthermore, the growing concerns around climate change have also been acknowledged as significant among other considerations. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2014), climate change has been observed to increase the likelihood and severity of extreme weather events, particularly in the form of more frequent and destructive flooding. Regarding exposure, an estimated 11% of the global population, equivalent to about 800 million or more individuals, is expected to face the danger of flooding (UNISDR, 2011). 

In Nigeria, like in numerous underdeveloped countries, the consequences of flooding are found to be more severe because of the heightened susceptibility of many rural communities. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) stated that the country encountered severe floods from July to November 2012. These floods caused 363 fatalities, displaced over 2.1 million individuals, and led to over N2.6 trillion in losses (Ogunlesi, 2023). The organisation also reported that the floods impacted more than seven million individuals in 30 states of the federation and were characterized as the most severe in the past four decades.  However, multiple research have investigated the epidemiological, social, structural, and economic consequences of flooding, as well as the harm it inflicts on human communities. These studies include the works of Olajuyigbe, Rotowa, and Durojaye (2012), Etuonovbe (2011), Adelekan (2010), ActionAid (2006), CDC (2006), and Ahern et al. (2005). 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Over the years flooding in rural areas and densely populated communities has become a concern for public health practioners and relevant stakeholders. These occurrences are mostly attributed to inadequate or nonexistent drainage systems (Louw et al., 2019).  Apparently, when floods occur in these areas, the problem of inadequate hygiene arises, leading to an increase in infections and pandemics. The water also gets contaminated, and there is a risk of loss of life. According to Situngkir et al. (2018), impoverished areas are at a higher risk compared to others due to their increased vulnerability to natural disasters, substandard housing that is prone to damage, and insufficient or poorly maintained drainage systems that worsen the effects of flooding. Moreover, in the event of floods, it causes a disturbance in economic operations, leading to a decrease in the income of impoverished individuals. Additionally, it results in the destruction of homes and other structures, while also potentially interrupting educational activities. All these factors worsen the poverty level among the residents of impoverished places. 

Existing research on flooding indicates that the discussions have primarily centred around the economic and developmental impacts, poverty effects, health and social effects, as well as risk factors and flood management. It is important to mention that most of the research on the relationship between poverty and floods primarily examines how poverty influences flooding, while neglecting to address the impact of flooding on poverty. Hence, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to examine the effect of flooding on disease outbreak in rural communities in Lagos state.

 1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the effect of flooding on disease outbreak in rural communities in Lagos state. Specifically, the study will;

Investigate the extent to which flooding contributes to disease transmission in rural areas.

Investigate the impact of flooding on disease outbreaks in rural communities in Lagos state.

Investigate the effectiveness of rural health centers in addressing the surge in disease cases following floods.

1.4  Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

To what extent does flooding contribute to disease transmission in rural areas?

What is the impact of flooding on disease outbreaks in rural communities in Lagos State?

How effective are rural health centers in addressing the surge in disease cases following floods?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: Flooding has no significant effect on disease outbreaks in rural communities in Lagos State.

Ha: Flooding has significant effect on disease outbreaks in rural communities in Lagos State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will examine the ways in which flooding worsens water contamination and undermines sanitary infrastructure, leading to significant health hazards for the local community. Additionally, community leaders and NGOs will use the findings to advocate for better flood management practices and to educate local residents on maintaining hygiene and safe water practices during floods. Moreover, the findings from this research will assist in the formulation of flood management policies that are centred around the community. This will facilitate cooperation between governmental organisations and citizens in order to execute efficient measures for preventing and mitigating floods. Furthermore, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. 

1.6 Scope of the study   

The scope of this study is boarded on the effect of flooding on disease outbreak in rural communities in Lagos state. Empirically, this study will determine the level of accessibility of clean water and sanitation in rural communities, investigate the extent to which flooding contributes to disease transmission in rural areas, the impact of flooding on disease outbreaks in rural communities and the effectiveness of rural health centers in addressing the surge in disease cases following floods.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to residents of some selected rural communities in Lagos state

1.7 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.9 Definition of Terms

Flood: the overflow of water onto normally dry land due to heavy rainfall, poor drainage systems, or other contributing factors.

Diseases: are conditions that impair normal bodily functions, usually characterized by specific symptoms and signs.

Sanitation: the systems and practices in place to manage human waste, sewage, and wastewater. This includes the infrastructure for sewage treatment, disposal, and the provision of clean and safe toilet facilities.

Waterborne diseases: are illnesses caused by pathogenic microorganisms that are transmitted through contaminated water.

Rural communities are areas located outside of towns and cities, typically characterized by lower population density and smaller settlements. These communities often rely heavily on agriculture, forestry, fishing, and other primary sector activities for their livelihoods.

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