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Risk Analysis of Arable land to Flooding: A Case Study of Yenagoa and Environs, Bayelsa State, Southern Nigeria

Author Affiliations

  • 1Faculty of Environmental Studies, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, P.M.B 22, U.I Post office Ibadan, NIGERIA
  • 2 Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Surveys, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.M.B 5545, Ile Ife NIGERIA

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 4, Issue (8), Pages 92-97, August,22 (2015)

Abstract

This study assesses the threat of arable land to flood events within parts of southern Nigeria; this is due to the impact the recent flood events of 2012 had on different aspect of the environment, including farm and crop lands. It therefore becomes necessary to determine the level of vulnerability in this locality, especially within the floodplains. This approach will combine various spatial layers in a multi-criteria decision model such as forest areas arable lands, built up areas, and rivers; and subsequently adding weights to these layers. The analysis of DEM indicates that over 70% of the Bayelsa State is located within the floodplain (below 40meters). Also, that arable lands make up approximately 15% of the land cover types. The proportion of arable land likely to be flooded and their spatial pattern is mostly concentrated in the south east and north east of the study area; with over 85Km2 or 38% of these arable lands at risk to flooding. This model indicates that over a quarter of the food production areas are at risk of been inundated and hence threatens the food security of the communities. Therefore, adaptive measures are vital for the sustenance of the food production capacity.

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