AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES VULNERABILITY TO FLOODS AMONG COMMUNITIES DOWNSTREAM OF KAINJI DAM, NIGERIA

Abstract

Abstract Discharge from Kainji Hydro Electric Power Dam entail large water outflow which cause flooding to adjoining lands downstream of the dam. Rural settlements on the downstream flood plain of the dam are predominantly agrarian that depend on the water resources for their livelihood. Floods have not only threatened basic infrastructure but also destroyed farmlands and disrupt activities. Structured questionnaires and interview methods were utilized to generate data on the existing agricultural practices in the area and their vulnerability to floods. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the Study Area at 30meter resolution was utilized to depict the nature of the terrain, buffering analysis was carried out at 30meter, 50meter and 70meter respectively, leading to flood vulnerability mapping indicating highly vulnerable, moderately vulnerable and safe zones. The results indicate that crop, livestock and fish farming are the dominant agricultural practices. Farmers have also lost substantial amount of their products to flood. This is largely to their inadequate adaptive capacity to cope with floods. The DEM result shows elevation of the communities at appropriate time and in a realistic manner.