An analysis of flood risk and defense in the Western Niger Delta

摘要

The Western Niger Delta is an extensive low-lying area exposed to flood risk for several months during the year from excessive discharge from sediment-laden Niger River, high rainfall from the area and coastal storm surges. This study employs remote sensing data and GIS to delineate and classify the susceptibly of the study area to flood risk. Economic and social implications of regular seasonal flooding of the area were also considered. The results show that a total land surface of about 3183.45km~2 lies below 5m and 1407km~2 of this lies below 1m. 88 built up areas (30% of the total) with total area of about 9.69km~2, and 78.1km~2 of cultivated lands are always at the risk of serious impact by seasonal flooding. Local adaptive strategies of the inhabitants was examined and environmentally sustainable and locally appropriate coastal zone management strategies for flood management in the study area are suggested.