An Assessment of Flood Risk and Adaptation Measures in Isheri North of Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The increasing frequency of flooding incidents in Isheri North of Ogun State is a growing concern. The overflow of the Ogun River as a result of increased volume of rainfall persistently led to flooding in communities resulting in loss of lives and properties.  The study assessed the environmental and socio-economic impacts of flooding in the area. Monthly rainfall data records for 30 years (1990-2019) were obtained from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), lkeja and analyzed using basic descriptive statistical technique.  Landsat images for 2000, 2015 and 2020 with 30m resolution were obtained and analyzed to determine the implications of the flooding on the inhabitants of the areas. Land uses were identified and classified from the satellite imageries help in evaluating the impacts of the floods. The data were subjected to digital image processing and supervised classification was carried out on the images of the various dates. Results obtained shows flooding has strong connection with rapid population growth and infrastructure expansion along the floodplain, inadequate setback from the river valley and unregulated urban land use. On the basis of the results, the paper suggest approaches to the challenge including: land-use planning and flood control policies including a firm control on infrastructure development.

Keywords:Flooding, Geographical information system, Land cover, Landsat Imageries

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/11-11-02

Publication date: November 30^th 2021