Survey and Assessment of Communities Affected by 2010 Flood along river Niger in Kogi State
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ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT OF 2010 FLOOD ON
COMMUNITIES ALONG THE LOWER RIVER
NIGER IN KOGI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
OF KOGI STATE NIGERIA
A. USMAN
I. P. IFABIYI
K. A. ADENIRAN
A. A. AKANDE
A. W. SALAMI
M. A. AYANSOLA
TECHNICAL REPORT
NO. 2
ISBN: 978-978-914-918-8
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR
HYDROPOWER RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT ENERGY COMMISSION OF NIGERIA
UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, ILORIN
DECEMBER 2010
Survey and Assessment of Communities Affected by 2010 Flood along river Niger in Kogi State
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
History has it that in recent time especially between1994 and 2010 the riparian
communities along the lower part of river Niger have had not less than six flood episodes.
First in 1994, re-occurred in time series manner in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003 and recently
2010 damaging life and properties of inestimable values. Riparian communities have
pointed accusing fingers at the activities of hydropower dams in Nigeria as responsible
for the annual flood occurrence. The enormity of the 2010 flood especially along the
confluence of rivers Niger and Benue on one part and that along the confluence of rivers
Niger and Kaduna on the other part, motivated the desire to undertake the impact
assessment. More importantly is the need to trace the source of the flood particularly that
the three hydropower dams are situated along the river Niger.
The primary objectives of the impact assessment is to determine the veracity of the claims
that it is the release from the hydropower stations that is responsible for the flood,
determine the extent of the damage to the environment, life and properties in the affected
communities and suggest measure to address the occurrence of flood along the lower part
of river Niger.
The Niger River is the principal river of western Africa, extending about 4,180 km (2,600
mi). Its drainage basin is 2,117,700 km2 (817,600 sq mi) in area. Its source is in the
Guinea Highlands in southeastern Guinea. It runs in a crescent through Mali, Niger, on
the border with Benin and then through Nigeria, discharging through a massive delta,
known as the Niger Delta of the Oil Rivers, into the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Niger is the third-longest river in Africa, exceeded only by the Nile and the Congo
River (also known as the Zaire River).
In view of shortness of time available for the impact assessment, the emergency nature of
the flood episode, the personnel and extent of the coverage of the flood, the following
methods were adopted:
a) Observation;
b) Administration of Questionnaire prepared for the impact assessment;
c) Village Square discussion;
d) Photographs and Video Coverage;
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In all a total of twenty (20) communities were affected by the flood and this according to
official sources accounted for 40 % of the total population (46040). Assuming the population
is evenly distributed, there will be an average of 2,302 people in each community. This was
employed as our sampling frame. Twenty (20) respondents were randomly selected in each
community, to make a total of 400 respondents for entire flood affected communities. The
followings were the issues raised by the affected communities.
i. That flood in the area has become an annual phenomena;
ii. That the intensity and speed of the flood will depend on the sources of the flood;
iii. That the two principal sources of flood in the area are rainfall intensity and activities
of hydropower dams along the river;
iv. That flood occasioned by activities of the dams are usually faster and often catch the
people unaware;
v. That the current flood was the combination of the two causes;
vi. That the people are not likely to embrace any form of relocation as they consider such
an action as taking them away from their ancestral homes;
vii. That the economic life of the inhabitants of the place is tied down to the river and its
resources;
viii. That the people are not known to be professional farmer and relocating them to the
upland will mean that they have to farm as a matter of survival;
ix. That the relief material system by all the stakeholders was not acceptable to them;
x. From the above oral, visual and documentary evidences and the analysis thereof the
investigation wish to conclude as follows: -
In view of the evidences across the West African coast and those of the Niger River Basin
Authority, the 2010 flood along the lower valley of river Niger was induced by low pressure,
which followed a long drought in the early part of the year and which caused excessive
rainfall may have been responsible for the flood.
1. About the same period there were incidences of flood in other countries that played
host to Niger River.
2. The 2010 flood was not induced by the activities of the hydropower Dams in Nigeria,
as it occurred even where there is no Dam;
3. Majority of the communities affected depend on river Niger for subsistence as well as
for commercial activity;
4. The level of siltation may have accounted for the inability of the river bank to serve as
an embankment for the river;
5. The flood affected those riparian communities who infringe on the right of way of the
river;
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Recommendations
1. Government must as a matter of duty put in place measure that will compel the
riparian communities to relocate away from the river bank;
1. The ongoing dredging of river Niger should be extended to the middle belt of
the river. It will not only check the incessant flood it will also boost economic
activities along the river;
2. Simple methods of flood control, such as reforestation and the construction of
levees, reservoirs, and floodways (artificial channels that divert floodwater)
should be put in place where necessary and also thought to the riparian
communities;
3. It is recommended that government should acquire as a matter of urgency,
appropriate technology for early detection of disaster.
4. There is need for an enabling law and the enforcement of appropriate sanction
that will prevent the riverine communities for infringing on the right of way of
rivers.
Conclusion
The 2010 flood disaster along river Niger and its tributaries is a product of climatic
effects and not due to the activities of the hydropower stations on the river.
International evidences along the West African coast indicates that flood on river
Niger was induced by low pressure, which followed a long drought in the early part of
the year and which caused excessive rainfall. No doubt, communities economic
activities may have contributed to the severity of the flood in the study area, direct
infringement on the right of way of river added to the impact of flood.
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River Niger Basin
AUTHORS AFFILIATION
DR. USMAN, Abdullateef
Department of Economics, University of Ilorin, Ilorin
DR. IFABIYI, I. P
Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Ilorin,
Ilorin
DR. AKANDE, A. A.
Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin
DR. ADENIRAN, K. A.
Department of Agriculture and Biosystem Engineering, University of Ilorin,
Ilorin
DR. SALAMI, A. W. A
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin
ENGR. AYANSHOLA, M.A
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin
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TABLE OF CONTENT
Executive Summary ii
The Team iv
The Team
Table of Contents vi
Acknowledgement viii
I. Introduction 1
II. History of Flood along Lower Rivers Niger 2
III. Methodology 4
Observations 4
Administration of Questionnaire 4
Sampling frame and Sample size 5
The Village Square Meeting 5
IV. Inference and Analysis 8
V. Conclusion and Recommendation 21
List of Figures- Figure 1: Map of Kogi LGA showing Towns/Villages 7
Figure 2: Pie Chart showing the victims perception
of who should take 11
Figure 2.1: Distribution of People Resettled Per Village 13
Figure 3: Affected Farmlands and Farm settlements 17
Figure 4: Some of the Collapsed Structures as a result
Of the flood 18
Figure 5: Some of the Public Structures and Facilities 19
Figure 6: Some of the Affected Structures after the flood 20
Figure 7: Team of researchers interacting with Stakeholders 23
Figure 8: Fish Market Around the affected Area 24
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List of Tables
Table 1: Kogi LGA Population Distribution by sex 8
Table 2: Estimated Population of People Affected
by flood 8
Table 3: History of Flood along the lower River
Niger at Kogi LGA 9
Table 4: Victims’ Perception of the Causes of the flood 10
Table 5: Who takes responsibility for the flood 12
Table 6: Towns and Villages Affected 12
Table 7: The Nature of Resettlement Scheme. 13
Table 8: Estimated number of People Resettled
Per Village 13
Table 9: Effects of Flood on Economic Life of
the People 14
Table 10: Major Properties affected by the flood 15
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Acknowledgement
The National Center for Hydropower Research and Development (NACHRED)
at the University of Ilorin, facilitated this study tour of the flood affected
communities in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State as part of an on-
going study on “The Environmental Effects of the Operations of the
Hydropower Stations in the Lower River Niger”. The fund for the study was
drawn from the funds meant for the entire study. The efforts of the Director
and his management team are hereby acknowledge.
The Director of Personnel Management of the Kogi LGA readily deployed for
our use, officers of the LGA that are relevant to the study without any form of
hesitation from any of them. We are particularly thankful to all the indigenes of
the riparian communities who form the bulk of the information suppliers for the
study. It is important to mention the immeasurable contributions of the
Assistant Director of Works, Mr. Ramadan and the Public Relation Officer of
the LGA. We also want to thank the paramount ruler of Edeha for his support.
The efforts of the boat driver the cameraman and our local guide are also highly
appreciated.
Above all, we thank the Almighty God for His support at all times.
Dr. Abdullateef Usman
Study Coordinator
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SECTION ONE
I. Introduction
The incidence and impact of flood in the lower part of river Niger is fast
becoming an annual occurrence. History has it that in recent time especially
between1994 and 2010 the riparian communities have had not less than six
flood episodes. First in 1994 and this has re-occurred in 1998, 1999, 2000,
2003 and recently 2010 damaging life and properties of inestimable values.
The enormity of the 2010 flood especially along the confluence of rivers
Niger and Benue on one part and that along the confluence of rivers Niger
and Kaduna on the other part, motivated the desire to undertake the impact
assessment. More importantly is the need to trace the source of the flood
particularly that the three hydropower dams are situated along the river
Niger and its tributary, the River Kaduna.
The primary objectives of the impact assessment is to determine the veracity
of the claims that it is the release from the hydropower stations that is
responsible for the flood, determine the extent of the damage to the
environment, life and properties in the affected communities and suggest
measures to address the occurrence of flood along the lower part of river
Niger. This report is structured into five sections: section II explores the
history of flood along the rivers Niger and Kaduna, while section III
discusses the method of the assessment. In section IV is on analyses of the
data obtained and inferences. The conclusion and recommendations are
presented in section V.
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SECTION TWO
II. History of Flood along Lower Rivers Niger
Periodic floods are a natural occurrence on many rivers, forming an area
known as the flood plain. These river floods often result from heavy rain,
sometimes combined with melting snow, which causes the rivers to
overflow their banks; and sometime the river level rises and falls rapidly
with little or no advance warning (flash flood) characteristic of those
flood occasioned by releases from overflowing dam.
Floods not only damage property and endanger the lives of humans and
animals, but have other effects as well. Rapid runoff causes soil erosion
as well as sedimentation problems downstream. Spawning grounds for
fish and other wildlife habitat are often destroyed. High-velocity currents
increase flood damage; prolonged high floods delay traffic and interfere
with drainage and economic use of lands. Bridge abutments, bank lines,
sewer outfalls, and other structures within floodways are damaged, and
navigation and hydroelectric power are often impaired. Financial losses
due to any episode of floods run in the neighborhood of millions of Naira.
The Niger River is the principal river of western Africa, extending about
4,180 km (2,600 mi). Its drainage basin is 2,117,700 km2 (817,600 sq mi)
in area. Its source is in the Guinea Highlands in southeastern Guinea. It
runs in a crescent through Mali, Niger, on the border with Benin and then
through Nigeria, discharging through a massive delta, known as the Niger
Delta of the Oil Rivers, into the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Niger is the third-longest river in Africa, exceeded only by the Nile
Survey and Assessment of Communities Affected by 2010 Flood along river Niger in Kogi State
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and the Congo River (also known as the Zaire River). Its main tributaries
are the river Benue and Kaduna ( ).
The history of flood along lower river Niger and one of its tributaries
rivers Kaduna is as long as the year immediately following successful
impoundment of water for the purpose of hydropower generation but this
is not to say that floods are always caused by the activities of the dam.
As a matter of fact the Center for Satellite based Crisis Information
(CSCI) had reported that since June 2010 West and Central Africa has
been suffering from a severe drought (CSCI 2010). In early August 2010
(7th to 9th of August) a large low pressure system caused heavy rains
resulting in floods along the Niger River. Thousands of homes were
flooded, especially in the surroundings of Niamey. The effects of this
heavy rainfall may have accounted for the flood experienced down the
lower valley of River Niger.
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SECTION THREE
III. Methodology
In view of time available for the impact assessment, the emergency nature of
the flood episode, the personnel and extent of the coverage of the flood, the
following methods were adopted:
e) Observation;
f) Administration of Questionnaire prepared for the impact assessment;
g) Village Square discussion;
h) Photographs and Video Coverage;
a) Observations
For the purpose of the assessment, the Kogi L.G.A (see fig.1) was divided
into two parts; the riverine and upland communities. The riverine
communities are located along the bank of both rivers Niger and Benue
down to Lokoja the confluence town, while the upland communities are
located at the rocky highland along the bank of both rivers Niger and Benue,
but their farming activities take place downstream of the rivers. This implies
that most communities in Kogi L.G.A are liable to flood disaster, but that of
riverine communities are more severe. Canoes were employed to traverse
the flood affected communities through Edeha under the Niger Bridge to
move from one community to the other
b) Administration of Questionnaire.
The study designs a very short closed-ended pre-coded questionnaire to
elicit information from the flood affected people and or their
representative(s). The primary objectives of the questionnaire is to
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understand the perception of the flood affected communities on the
source(s) of the flood, determine the veracity of the claims that it is the
release from the hydropower stations that is responsible for the flood,
determine the extent of the damage to the environment, life and properties
in the affected communities and suggest measures to address the
occurrence of flood along the lower part of river Niger.
Sampling frame and Sample size:
In all a total of twenty (20) communities were affected by the flood and
this according to official sources constituted about 40 % of the total
population (46, 040) of Kogi LGA. Assuming the population is evenly
distributed, there will be an average of 2,302 people in each community.
This was employed as our sampling frame. Twenty (20) respondents
were randomly selected in each community, to make a total of 400
respondents for entire flood affected communities. This sample size is in
consonant with the law of statistical regularity and the law of inertial of
large numbers. Three Local Government officers (Director of personnel
Management DPM; The Information Officer for the Local Government
and Assistant Director of Works) responded as matter of duty. The
responses of the three officers were used to cross-check those of the
community members.
c) The Village Square Meeting
This method was adopted to capture the response of the stakeholders who
may not have been selected into the sample but who may provide
additional information useful to the survey. However the village meeting
could only take place in Kotonkarfi and Edeha where the flood water has
greatly subsided. The meeting gave us the opportunity to authenticate
some of the claims and assertions contained in the questionnaire. In
attendance at the meeting are the officials of the local government, the
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paramount ruler of Edeha and the male members of the Edeha
community.
The meeting orchestrated the following facts:
i. That flood in the area has become an annual phenomena;
ii. That the intensity and speed of the flood will depend on the
sources of the flood;
iii. That the two principal sources of flood in the area are
rainfall intensity and activities of hydropower dams along
the river;
iv. That flood occasioned by activities of the dams are usually
faster and often catch the people unaware;
v. That the current flood was the combination of the two
causes;
vi. That the people are not likely to embrace any form of
relocation as they consider such an action will take them
away from their ancestral homes;
vii. That the economic life of the inhabitants of the place is tied
down to the river and its resources;
viii. That the people are not known to be professional farmer and
relocating them to the upland will mean that they have to
farm as a matter of survival;
ix. The relief materials send to flood victims came from two
sources
a) A member of house of representative supplied
a trailer load of rice & cassava powder;
b) Kogi L.G.A provides fishing net for them to
sustain their fishing business / activities
x. That the state government has not done anything to
ameliorate the plight of the flood victims.
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Survey and Assessment of Communities Affected by 2010 Flood along river Niger in Kogi State
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SECTION FOUR
IV. Inference and Analysis
Kogi state as at the 2006 final population figure released by the
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has a total population of 115,100
people, comprising of 58,864 males and 56,236 females. However,
official sources from the Local Government put the total population at
about 151,000 (“recent census”) people. The Director of Personnel
Management of Kogi L.G.A reported that one-third of the population
was affected by the current flood since over 40 % total land area fall
into the riverine.
Table 1: Kogi LGA Population Distribution by sex
Sex Population Percentage
Male 58,864 51 %
Female 56,236 49 %
Total 115,100 100
Source: National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) 2006
Since over forty percent of the land area is riverine, the total population
affected by the flood was taken as the 40% of the total population.
Table 2: Estimated Number of People Affected by flood
Sex Population Percentage
Male 23, 480 51 %
Female 22, 560 49 %
Total 46, 040 100
Source: Authors Field Estimate (2010)
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Table 2 above indicates that more males, most of whom are householders,
were affected by the flood. The degree of the effect however varies
according to nearness to the bank of the river and endowment. On the
history of flood in the area, there was no coherent response from the
members of the community interviewed. This may probably be as a
result of differences in the distance to the bank of the river. Whereas
people who are very close to the river or who virtually reside in the river
valley witness flood annually, those who are some distance away from
river may not experience flood in a particular year. Table 3 below
captured the response of the respondents on this variable.
Table 3: History of Flood along the lower River Niger at Kogi LGA
Response Frequency Percentage
Last year
Annually
Every other Year
Cannot say
116
84
188
12
29
21
47
3
Total 400 100
Source: Authors’ Field Survey 2010
Table 3 above reveals the respondents sense of history of flood in the
area. 29 % of the respondents could recall that there was flood last year,
while 21 % said it has become an annual occurrence. Those who were of
the opinion that flood occur every other year (47 %) were in the majority.
Only 12 % could not recall. From this history a pattern is inherent and
this pattern should serve as warning. One would expect that the people
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must have formed a rational expectation about this pattern with a view to
creating safety-net for life and properties.
Another important issue is the respondents’ perception of the causes of
the flood. Table 4 below reflects the perception of the respondents on the
cause of the flood.
Table 4: Victims’ Perception of the Causes of the flood
Causes Frequency Percentage
Excess Rainfall
Blockage of river Channel
Activity of hydro Dams on the river
Rise in the river level
188
60
128
24
47.0
15.0
32.0
6.0
Total 400 100
Source: Authors’ Field Survey 2010
The issue is that if flood is annual, or every other year, who takes
responsibility? Table 5 below is the respondents’ view of who should
take responsibility and provide the necessary action to avert future
occurrence of flood.
Table 5: Who takes responsibility for the flood?
Stakeholders Frequency Percentage
Dam Authority (PHCN)
Federal Government
State Government
Local Government
132
180
68
20
33.0
45.0
17.0
10
Total 400 100
Source: Authors’ Field Survey 2010
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Fig.2.1: Pie Chart showing the victims perception of who should take
responsible.
From the table above every item listed can be regarded as stakeholder
since in one way or the other people who are their subjects are affected.
What only differs is the scale of responsibility which is a function of
nearness to the people, constitutional responsibility. The table indicates
that 33 % of the victims believed that the dam authority should take
responsibility, since they believed that it is the dam activity that is
responsible for the flood in the area. 45 % of the respondents blamed it
all on the federal government, while 17 % were of the opinion that the
state government should be held responsible. 10 % think that the local
government should be responsible. If this pattern of response is anything
to go by, the share of provision of relief materials to the flood victims is
expected to take this pattern.
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Table 6: Towns and Villages Affected
Range of Towns/ Villages Frequency Percentage
1 – 5 Villages
6 – 10 Villages
11 – 15 Villages
16 villages and Above
0
10
20
370
0 %
5%
5 %
90 %
Total 400 100
Source: Authors’ Field Survey 2010
Table 6 gives the average number of villages that were affected by the
flood. The model response was 90 % which is an indication that more
than 16 villages were submerged, thus corroborating the official position.
Table 7: The Nature of Resettlement Scheme.
Resettlement Type Frequency Percentage
Provision of temporary shelter;
Provision of Permanent shelter;
No shelter ;
Sort shelter with neighbouring villages;
65
14
270
51
16.25%
3.5%
67.5%
12.75%
Total 400 100
Source: Authors’ Field Survey 2010
Table 7 above describes the pattern and kinds of the resettlement for the
displaced flood victims. Most of the displaced people were not provided
with any form of accommodation and this are in the majority (67.5 %).
About 12.75 % sort shelter with neighbouring villages while only 16.25%
were given temporary shelter by the LGA. This could mean that there is
not likely going to be any safety net at time of emergency. Therefore
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there is a need for a more holistic emergency management strategy to
avert future occurrence of similar disasters and to assist victims of such
disasters.
Table 8: Estimated number of People Resettled Per Village
Range Frequency Percentage
1 -250;
251 – 500;
501 – 750 ;
750
320
34
46
0
80.0%
8.5%
11.5%
0 %
Total 400 100
Source: Authors’ Field Survey 2010
Table 8 reflects the extent of the resettlement scheme put in place and the
number of people resettled by the Kogi LGA. The modal number of
resettled was 250. This is a far cry from the population of the displaced
people in the local government area. The people were temporarily
housed in primary schools, clinics, low cost house and 20 housing unit
located upland. This further reinforced the results obtained in the
previous table.
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Fig. 3: Distribution of People Resettled Per Village
The survey revealed that over twenty communities were affected during
2010 flooding and include; Edeha, Iganuma, Edegaki, Ikumo, Odama,
Esikaku, Irenodu, Gbagede, Ugwo, Gitata, Numaye, Iredimose. These
communities are situated at the bank of both rivers Niger and Benue
down to Lokoja. Some communities which are located at the upland but
were affected by the flood include; Ajar, Kelebe, Kpakpazi, Ekpuruka,
Nwari, Kasemya, Akpaku and Adamogu.
Table 9: Effects of Flood on Economic Life of the People
Economic Activities Affected No Effect
Farming 381 9
Fishing 380 10
Trading 380 10
Civil Service 250 150
Source: Authors’ Field Survey 2010
The flood affected the economic life of the local government in its entire
ramification except the civil service. This is an indication that the flood
spared some institutional buildings like the LGA Offices, Schools, Prison,
and Health Centers, because of their locations. With the annual flooding
of the lower River Niger, most of the flood affected communities’ staple
foods such as cowpea, rice, maize; cassava, banana and vegetable
production are threatened. This has multiple effects, as the local people
do not just loose income on their investment, they hardly have enough to
consume and this affect their livelihood. Fishing activities were disrupted;
and fishes that were found dead after the flood water receded. Traders
were unable to get out there goods to safe grounds as the goods were
destroyed by the flood. Only the civil servants whose offices were
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located in the upland were able to go to their offices and even at work.
The Civil Servants were sent on rescue mission at different locations.
Although many of the affected villages lack some social amenities the
flooding had its effect on the limited amenities available. For example
many schools in the 20 villages were submerged in the flood, while
schooling for fleeing villagers remains disrupted. The hospital buildings
were also destroyed.
Table 10: Major Properties affected by the flood
Properties Affected No Effect Total
Residential Houses 270 130 400
Public Buildings 105 295 400
Farmland 288 112 400
Crops 320 80 400
Fish ponds 400 0 400
Source: Authors’ Field Survey 2010
From table 10 above, fishing ponds, crops, farmland and residential
houses are the most affected in that order. The respondents were
however unable to give the financial estimates at the point of
questionnaire administration. Most of the affected ponds, crops, farmland
and residential houses are those that are observed to be on the flood plain
and at the valley of the river (see video coverage).
The Observations
The following were observed during the exercise: -
It was observed that the water level in flood affected communities
ranged between 1.5 m to 3.0 m, which can easily lead to submerging
of properties and can be noted on the walls and trees
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The farmland with grown up crops (such as guinea corn, cowpea, rice,
maize, cassava, banana and vegetables) were inundated and remained
submerged by water, the crops turns brown and dies off.
In the affected communities, there is no electricity supply, no water,
road & culvert & bridges were washed away
Animals got drown in the flooded water and die
Borehole stand pipes in the communities (where available) were
submerged and polluted water intrude into the main water source
The stored farm produced in the granaries & barns were destroyed
through the collapse of storing facilities and washed away by the flood
water
Fish pond & fishing net were washed away
Economic trees such as palm trees, fruit trees, cashew, orange, shear
butter, mango and others were submerged and destroyed by the flood
water
Submerging and collapsing of residential building, clinic, primary
schools, religious houses and palace of village head
Cars & lorries packed in front of the palace were submerged and
destroyed by the flood water
Grinding engine & building were submerged and destroyed by flood
water
Many building under construction were submerged and collapse
Means of accessing the flood affected areas is canoe & ferry since
their roads & culverts have been washed away
The flood affected communities become refugee
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SECTION FIVE
V. Conclusion and Recommendation
From the above oral, visual and documentary evidences and the analysis
thereof the investigation wish to conclude as follows: -
1. In view of the evidences across the West African coast and those of
the Niger River Basin Authority, the 2010 flood along the lower
valley of river Niger was induced by low pressure, which followed a
long drought in the early part of the year and which caused excessive
rainfall may have been responsible for the flood.
2. About the same period there were incidences of flood in other
countries that played host to Niger River.
3. The 2010 flood was not induced by the activities of the Hydropower
Dams in Nigeria, as it occurred even where there is no Dam;
4. Majority of the communities affected depend on river Niger for
subsistence as well as for commercial activity;
5. The level of siltation may have accounted for the inability of the river
bank to serve as an embankment for the river;
6. The flood affected those riparian communities who infringe on the
right of way of the river;
Recommendations
5. Government must as a matter of duty put in place measure that will
compel the riparian communities to relocate or be relocated away
from the river bank;
Survey and Assessment of Communities Affected by 2010 Flood along river Niger in Kogi State
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6. The ongoing dredging of river Niger should be extended to the
middle belt of the river. It will not only check the incessant flood it
will also boost economic activities along the river;
7. Simple methods of flood control, such as reforestation and the
construction of levees, reservoirs, and floodways (artificial
channels that divert floodwater) should be put in place where
necessary and also thought to the riparian communities;
8. It is recommended that government should acquire as a matter of
urgency, appropriate technology for early detection of disaster.
9. There is need for an enabling law and the enforcement of
appropriate sanction that will prevent the riverine communities for
infringing on the right of way of rivers.
Conclusion
The 2010 flood disaster along river Niger and its tributaries is a product
of climatic effects and not due to the activities of the hydropower stations
on the river. International evidences along the West African coast
indicates that flood on river Niger was induced by low pressure, which
followed a long drought in the early part of the year and which caused
excessive rainfall. No doubt, communities economic activities may have
contributed to the severity of the flood in the study area, direct
infringement on the right of way of river added to the impact of flood.
Survey and Assessment of Communities Affected by 2010 Flood along river Niger in Kogi State
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1.
Survey and Assessment of Communities Affected by 2010 Flood along river Niger in Kogi State
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Survey and Assessment of Communities Affected by 2010 Flood along river Niger in Kogi State
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REFERENCE
R.L. (1986), "The Niger River System", in Davies, Bryan Robert; Walker, Keith
F., The Ecology of River Systems, Springer, pp. 9–60, ISBN 9061935407
http://www.geol.lsu.edu/WDD/AFRICAN/Niger/niger.htm Accessed 2010-10-
22.
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:gF9Pb96gxA0J:www.r
isorseidriche.dica.unict.it/Sito_STAHY2010_ Accessed 2010-10-22.
Gleick, Peter H. (2000), The World's Water, 2000-2001: The Biennial Report on
Freshwater, Island Press, p. 33, ISBN 1559637927; online at Google Books
FAO: (1997 )Irrigation potential in Africa: A basin approach, The Niger Basin,
Law, R. C. C. (1967), "The Garamantes and Trans-Saharan Enterprise in
Classical Times", The Journal of African History 8 (2): 181–200,
doi:10.1017/S0021853700007015.
Edward Herbert Bunbury, William H. Stahl. A History of Ancient Geography
Among the Greeks and Romans: From the Earliest Ages Till the Fall of the
Roman Empire J. Murray, London (1879) pp.626–627
de Gramonte, Sanche (1991), The Strong Brown God: Story of the Niger River,
Houghton Mifflin, ISBN 0395567564
Niger Basin Authority (NBA), Executive Secretariat, "8th Summit of the Heads
of State and Government", Final Communiqué
(http://www.abn.ne/index.php/eng/News/Publi-INFO/Final-communique-8-th-
Head-of-States-Summit), quoted in the Newsletter No. 47 of ECLAC because
the website of the Niger Basin Authority is not working, accessed on January 9,
2010
Survey and Assessment of Communities Affected by 2010 Flood along river Niger in Kogi State
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Voice of America: [http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/a-13-2007-07-04-
voa35-66780562.html RSS Feed World Bank Sending $500 Million Funding
for Niger Basin Development], July 4, 2007
World Bank: Niger Basin Water Resources Development and Sustainable
Ecosystems Management Project, accessed on January 9, 2010
BBC (2009) Nigeria Begins Vast River Dredge".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8249327.stm. Retrieved 2009-09-11.
Wole Ayodele (2009). "Yar’Adua Flags off Dredging of River Niger". This Day
Online. http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=154161.
"N36bn River Niger dredging project 50% completed – FG". Punch on the web.
2010-03-25.
http://www.punchontheweb.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201003251541957.
Survey and Assessment of Communities Affected by 2010 Flood along river Niger in Kogi State
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APPENDIX
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HYDROPOWER RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, NIGERIA
SURVEY OF COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY 2010 FLOOD IN
KOGI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE
A. Community Identification
Name of Community : ========================
Community Distance to River Bank ==============
Community Distance to LGA HQ: ===============
Community Population: Male=====Female==========
Community Main Occupation (s): ==============
Key Informant (Optional)
Name Age Position
1)
2)
3)
B. Community’s Perception of the Causes of the Current Flood in Area
i. When was the last flood in this area?
a). Last year
b). Annually
c). Every other year
d). Cannot estimate
ii. What is your perception of the cause(s) of the current flood
a). Excess Rainfall
b). Blockage of River Channel
c). Hydropower Dams operation along the rivers
d). Rise in the river level
iii. Emergency Management for Hazard of Flood
a). state presentation of relieve material to victims;
b). Evacuation of the affected population to safe zone,
c). Provision of makeshift shelter for the evacuees;
d). Resettlement of the flood affected communities.
iv. Who are the stakeholders?
a). Dam Authority (PHCN); b). Federal Government;
c). State Government; d).Local Government;
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C. Current Population of Flood Affected Areas
i. How many town/villages are affected by the current flood in this area?
a). 1-5 villages b). 6-10 villages c). 11-15 villages; d).
Above 15 villages
ii. Pls give an estimate of the population before the flood
Male -------------Female-------------------
iii. Pls give an estimate of the current population
Male -------------Female-------------------
iv. What is the nature of resettlement scheme that is in place?
a). Provision of temporary shelter;
b). Provision of Permanent shelter;
c). No shelter;
d). Sort shelter with neighbouring villages;
v. How many people have been resettled?
a). 1 – 250 b). 251 – 500
c). 501 – 750 d). Above750
D. Effects of Flood on Basic Infrastructure
Electricity Supply: Yes ( ) No ( )
Water Supply: Yes ( ) No ( )
Public Offices: Yes ( ) No ( )
Schools Buildings: Yes ( ) No ( )
Health Facilities: Yes ( ) No ( )
Road Network: Yes ( ) No ( )
Irrigation Facilities: Yes ( ) No ( )
Waste Disposal Facilities: Yes ( ) No ( )
E. Effects of Flood on Economic Life of the People
i). Major economic activities in the flood affected areas
Farming a). Affected b). No Effect
Fishing a). Affected b). No Effect
Trading a). Affected b). No Effect
Civil Service a). Affected b). No Effect
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ii). Major Properties affected by the flood
Residential Houses a). Affected b). No Effect
Public Buildings a). Affected b). No Effect
Farmland a). Affected b). No Effect
Crops a). Affected b). No Effect
Others (please specify) a). Affected b). No Effect
F. Extent of the Damage(s)
i). Farming.
Produce Land Area (ha) Quantity
(Tonnes)
Cost (N)
Rice
Maize
G/Corn
Millet
Cassava
Yams
Potatoes
Others
ii). Livestock
Type Quantity (Number) Cost (N)
Cows
Sheep
Goats
Carmel
Donkeys
Poultry
iii). Fishing
Type Pre-flood catch During-flood catch Post-flood catch
Qty Cost Qty Cost Qty Cost
Tilapia
Cat Fish
Herrings
Haddock
Trout
Cod
Crabs
Lobster
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iv). Properties
Type Quantity (Number) Cost (N)
Residential
Schools
Health Facilities
Religious Buildings
Crop Bans
Kraal (for livestock)