AN INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF FLOODING ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY IN KADUNA STATE
| PAGES = 54 | CHAPTER = 1 – 5 |
Chapter One
Introduction
Background of the Study
In the contemporary globalized world, including Nigeria, the repercussions of climate change and global warming on soil fertility and agricultural productivity are becoming increasingly evident. These effects are significantly exacerbated by the persistent challenges of flooding, erosion, and excessive rainfall (Anabaraonye, Okafor, & Chukwuma, 2019; Anabaraonye, Okafor, & Hope, 2018). Environmental threats such as erosion, flooding, drought, and desertification have continued to pose serious humanitarian issues, including hunger, unemployment, poverty, and disease (Anabaraonye, Okafor & Olamire, 2019; Birsel, 2019). Food insecurity, in particular, has become a pressing concern. According to Jeb and Aggarwal (2018), flooding is defined as the partial or complete submersion of normally dry areas due to overflow from inland or tidal waters or an unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff. Odufuwa et al. (2022) highlight that floods are among the most frequent and widespread natural hazards globally.
UN-Water (2021) reports that floods are responsible for 84% of disaster-related fatalities worldwide, with an average of 20,000 deaths per year, indicating that very few countries are immune to this disaster. The severity of floods depends on the volume and nature of the water involved, with Ikani (2016) describing flooding as the overflow of water due to torrential rainfall, dam failures, rising water levels in rivers, oceans, or seas caused by melting ice caps or prolonged rainfall, resulting in the inundation of surrounding areas. Additionally, the growing global population and the increasing intensity of extreme environmental events, such as floods and droughts, have placed additional stress on existing food production systems. This has further exacerbated the issue of food insecurity in many developing countries.
In Kaduna State, flooding remains a persistent and severe environmental challenge. Flooding typically occurs when water inundates land areas that were previously unaffected by such inundation. Various human activities have contributed to worsening flood risks, including industrialization, urbanization, population growth, and the exploitation of environmental resources. Agbonkhese et al. (2023) identify illegal waste dumping, blocked drainage systems, and inadequate water management as key factors exacerbating flooding in Nigeria. Historical records of destructive flooding across Nigeria reveal numerous instances, including floods in Ibadan (1985, 1987, 1990, 2011), Osogbo (1992, 1996, 2002), Yobe (2000), Akure (1996, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006), Makurdi (2008), Sokoto (2010), and Ogbaru and Oguta (2012). The August-October 2012 floods were particularly devastating, with rivers overflowing and submerging extensive areas of urban and rural land. This event affected over 7.7 million Nigerians and displaced more than 2.1 million people (Ojigi, Abdulkadir, Aderoju, 2012). The 2012 floods resulted in significant farmland destruction, leading to widespread food insecurity in affected regions. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of flooding on agricultural productivity in Kaduna State.
Statement of the Problem
Agriculture is a critical sector for Nigeria’s economic development and plays a fundamental role in the nation’s growth, making its protection a priority (Bello et al., 2018). However, the decreasing production of agricultural goods presents a significant challenge for the government, which must provide food for a population of approximately 150 million people. According to Ojo (2018), flooding can have severe consequences for agriculture, including the inundation of farmlands, destruction of crops, erosion of soil, and damage to infrastructure such as irrigation systems and storage facilities. These adverse effects disrupt agricultural cycles, reduce crop yields, and result in substantial economic losses for farmers.
Furthermore, flooding has been found to significantly influence food insecurity (Akukwe and Korhoda, 2018), with nearly all respondents in a sampled study indicating negative impacts on agricultural production. The negative effects of flooding include reduced crop harvests, decreased income from crop sales, damaged roads, destroyed storage facilities, reduced labor demand, polluted water sources, and increased food prices. When flooding leads to crop failures, food availability is diminished, resulting in reduced meal frequency and quantities (Akukwe and Korhoda, 2018). The problem of food insecurity in Nigeria is not solely due to an insufficient food supply but also due to inadequate purchasing power and access at both national and household levels. Despite global advancements in food production and security over the past three decades, over 800 million people remain undernourished, primarily in developing countries (Abid, Schilling, Scheffran, Zulfiqar 2014; FAO, 2009). Adapting agricultural practices to address the challenges posed by flooding is crucial for meeting Nigeria’s increasing food needs. Consequently, this study seeks to explore the impact of flooding on agricultural productivity in Kaduna State.
Objectives of the Study
The primary aim of this study is to analyze the effects of flooding on agricultural productivity in Kaduna State. Specifically, the study will:
- Assess the extent to which flooding has disrupted farming activities in Kaduna State.
- Evaluate the impact of flooding on commercial farming within the region.
- Determine the effects of flooding on agricultural output in Kaduna State.
- Examine how flooding has influenced the conservation and preservation of agricultural produce in Kaduna State.
Research Questions
The study will address the following research questions:
- To what extent has flooding disrupted farming activities in Kaduna State?
- How has flooding impacted commercial farming in Kaduna State?
- What are the effects of flooding on agricultural output in Kaduna State?
- How has flooding affected the conservation and preservation of agricultural produce in Kaduna State?
Research Hypotheses
H0: Flooding does not have a significant impact on agricultural productivity in Kaduna State.
Ha: Flooding has a significant impact on agricultural productivity in Kaduna State.
Significance of the Study
The findings of this research will be instrumental for community leaders and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting sustainable farming practices and advocating for improved flood management and support systems for farmers. Additionally, the insights gained from this study will assist government officials and policymakers in formulating effective policies and programs aimed at supporting farmers in flood-prone areas. This study will also contribute to the academic disciplines of environmental science, agricultural economics, and disaster management by providing empirical data on the relationship between flooding and agricultural productivity. Future researchers will benefit from this study as it will serve as a valuable source of literature for critical analysis and review.
Scope of the Study
This study focuses on examining the impact of flooding on agricultural productivity in Kaduna State. It will empirically assess the extent to which flooding has disrupted farming activities, affected commercial farming, influenced agricultural output, and impacted the conservation and preservation of agricultural produce. The geographical scope of the study is confined to the residents of Kaduna State.
Limitations of the Study
The research faced several limitations, including constraints related to time, financial resources, language barriers, and respondent attitudes. Potential researcher bias also influenced data collection, sampling, and interpretation. The findings are specific to the study area and may not be applicable for comparison with other regions, states, or countries.
Definition of Terms
- Flood: An overflow of water onto normally dry land due to heavy rainfall, inadequate drainage systems, or other contributing factors.
- Agricultural Production: The activities involved in cultivating crops and raising animals for food, fiber, medicinal plants, and other products essential for human life.
- Food Insecurity: The condition of being unable to access or afford sufficient food, leading to disruptions in normal eating patterns.
- Crop Yield: The amount of agricultural produce harvested per unit of land area.
- Disaster: A sudden, catastrophic event causing significant disruption, damage, or destruction, often resulting in loss of life, property, and resources.