Household Perception and Preparednessagainst Flooding in Makurdi Town, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Thispaper assessed household perception and preparednessagainst floodingin Makurdi Town. Data was obtained from the field via questionnaire survey. A total of 236 respondents, mainly household heads (both male and female), drawn randomly from residents living in flood prone areas were sampled for the study. Descriptive statistics and Chi square test were used to analyse the data. Findings reveal that most residents (84.9%) have experienced flooding in the area before and perceive that flood has increased in the last five years. Again, findings show that majority of the residents(48.7%) are aware that they are staying in areas rated to be at high risk of flooding, but have remained in the area mainly because they don't have an alternative. Findings further show that households are not adequately prepared against flooding. The Chi square analysis showed no association between perception of flooding and household preparedness behaviour. The study recommends that a massive and rigorous awareness campaign should be carried out by the Government to educate people on the dangers of flood and the need to prepare in advance.