COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN FLOOD MANAGEMENT IN YOLA METROPOLIS, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

This study assesses the role of residents of flood prone areas in the management of seasonal flood in Yola metropolis, Adamawa state, Nigeria. Emphasis was placed on identifying the measures adopted by the public to manage the menace as well as the effectiveness of such mitigation measures. Primary data were collected from five flood prone communities namely Demsawo, Limawa, Doubeli, Yolde Pate and Shagari Housing Estate. The first step involves the inventory of all and selection of 50% of the streets in each community. Thereafter, five households were selected from each street using systematic sampling technique and structured questionnaires were administered on the most senior person available in each household. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results show that the four major effects of floods in the study area are blockage and destruction of road networks, destruction of household properties, washing away of farm lands and demolition of building structures. The measures adopted by the residents to control the menace in order of importance are clearance of waste from drainage channels, sand filling to raise building foundations, evacuation of properties and persons to safe places. The residents listed (in ranked order) heavy and prolonged rainfall, uncontrolled urbanization and inadequate drainages, opening of Lagdo-Dam and an act of God as the major causes of flood. The paper recommends the need for public awareness on flood menace and its abatement strategies; resettlement scheme for the people in flood prone areas as well as the regulation of farming activities and building construction along the Benue valley.