Communal flood mitigation strategies in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Efforts towards flood risks mitigation supposed to be a bottom-up approach; because local communities are usually the first receptors of impacts and responders to natural and man-made disasters. This study investigated flood mitigation strategies at the community level. Thirteen communities identified by Oyo State government, been the most ravaged by 2011 flood were sampled. Community heads were identified through the Landlord/Landlady Associations (LLA) where the thirteen priority sites were situated. Six executives of the LLA (Chairman, Vice-chairman, General Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and Public Relation Officers) were purposively selected for interview at each of the communities. Interview guide and observation were used for data collection. The strategies adopted included sensitisation of people about practices that trigger flood during community meeting, monitoring of water channels to curb solid waste disposal, clearing of water channels, construction of culvert and embankment, dredging of water channel, removing structure along water channels and improvising early warning systems. Some policy implications that can help improve flood risk mitigation are outlined.