Evaluation of the Impacts of Flooding On Socio-Economic Activities in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State

Abstract

The study aimed at evaluating the impacts of flooding on socio-economic activities in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State. The study employed questionnaires, oral interviews, and personal observations. The data obtained from questionnaires and oral interviews were presented and interpreted using percentages, averages, bar graphs and pie charts. The hypothesis was formulated and tested. The statistical technique used in testing the hypothesis was Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Thus, the hypothesis reveals that flooding has significant relationship with socio-economic activities in Oleh. In addition, loss of portable water and agricultural products were revealed as some of the negative impacts of flooding in the study area. Furthermore, the researcher recommends provision of improved varieties of crops that are highly water resistant to farmers. Also, individual, corporate bodies and government should allocate adequate fund to disaster management bodies for proper planning of the area. In addition, community-based flood warning system should be developed. This will go a long way in creating awareness and preparedness of the inhabitants of Oleh against severe flooding.

Keywords: Evaluation, impacts, flooding, socio-economic, activities