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

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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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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;

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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)