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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Land use and misuse and the Ibadan flood problems: 1955-1980
Author:Odihi, John OnuISNI
Year:1999
Periodical:Discovery and Innovation (ISSN 1015-079X)
Volume:11
Issue:1-2
Period:June
Pages:21-32
Language:English
Notes:biblio. refs., ills.
Geographic terms:Nigeria
West Africa
Subjects:floods
land use
science and technology
Ibadan (Nigeria)
urbanization
External link:https://www.ajol.info/index.php/dai/article/view/15530
Abstract:This study investigates the problem of floods in the city of Ibadan, Nigeria, during the period 1955-1980. Historically, Ibadan City began on hilltop locations for security reasons and grew rapidly down the slopes and flood plains adjoining the hills. With this varied topography and the heightened tempo of urbanization with its attendant hydrological consequences in this region of relatively heavy annual torrential rainfall, have come flood problems that devastate the city on a more or less annual basis. The present study used a combined method of hydrological and socioeconomic inquiry to investigate flood problems in Ibadan. Specifically, it used rainfall data, historical reconstruction of land use by means of air photo interpretation and runoff prediction by means of curve numbers to understand the flood problem of the urbanizing watershed. The effects of the floods were captured through questionnaires and interview schedules with various users of the flood plain, city planners and other relevant professionals. Flood frequency, magnitude and hazards that wasted the city in terms of human, property and biodiversity losses have increased with increasing conversion of land from the more compatible forestry use to urban uses. It was also found that the flood problem in the city has been worsened by flood plain encroachment by residential development and businesses, poor spacing of houses, careless and uncontrolled refuse dumping and widespread poverty that make people inhabit flood-prone areas. The seriousness and complexity of the flood problem in the city requires an integrated approach that attacks the root causes of hazard proneness of the victims as well as addresses both the cultural habits that promote flood hazards and the effects they cause. Such an approach requires the cooperation of the individual victims or users of the flood-prone zones, estate developers and the government. It also requires improvement in weather services, especially flood warnings that will help to reduce hazard from floods. Bibliogr., sum. in English and French.
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