Resilience of river-based livelihoods on flood-prone area covering the lower Niger river in Nigeria

Effiong, Cyril Joseph (2025). Resilience of river-based livelihoods on flood-prone area covering the lower Niger river in Nigeria. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Climate change exerts direct and indirect impacts on the livelihoods of local communities, fundamentally altering the behaviour of farmers and fishers reliant on natural resources. Shifts in climatic factors, notably temperature variations, significantly affect crop yields, thereby influencing the behaviour of communities relying on these resources. Adverse climate events, including floods and droughts, disrupt the economic stability of farmers and fishers, causing varying repercussions across global regions. The escalating frequency and severity of floods pose substantial challenges, impeding agricultural activities, damaging infrastructure, and displacing communities. This leads to income loss, food insecurity, and heightened vulnerability, necessitating resilient measures for river-based livelihoods to withstand and recover from severe flood events. This research employs a comprehensive methodology that integrates physical and human geography to explore the impact of changing climatic factors on floodplain communities' livelihoods. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the study combines a household survey, key stakeholder interviews, and the analysis of climatic data covering a 30-year period (1991-2021) to provide a nuanced understanding of the vulnerabilities faced by communities along the Lower Niger River.
The primary data collection involved surveying 198 households, selected through a stratified sampling method, capturing diverse perspectives from small, medium, and large farmers, as well as fishers. Additionally, 24 key stakeholder interviews were conducted, identified in collaboration with the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria, ensuring a comprehensive representation of community voices. The use of both quantitative and qualitative methods enhances the robustness of the research, allowing for a multifaceted exploration of the challenges and adaptive strategies employed by these communities.
To analyse climatic trends, open-source terra climate data from the Climate Research Unit (CRU) dataset covering precipitation, runoff, and temperature trends from 1991 to 2021 were utilized. The examination of these climatic variables aims to unravel the intricate relationship between changing environmental conditions and the vulnerability of floodplain communities. Concurrently, a land use land cover change analysis spanning the same period was conducted, providing insights into alterations in the physical landscape.
The participatory approach in this research extends beyond traditional data collection methods, delving into the behavioural dynamics of farmers and fishers during extreme weather events. By assessing the risks posed by flooding and revealing coping strategies employed by these communities, the study goes beyond statistical analysis, providing a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of those directly impacted. The synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data allows for a holistic exploration of the interconnected factors shaping vulnerability. This research not only identifies the climatic stressors affecting floodplain communities but also examines the social, economic, and cultural dimensions that mediate their adaptive capacity. The research reveals multifaceted findings that intricately dissect the vulnerability of floodplain communities along the Lower Niger River. The climatic analysis spanning 1991 to 2021 uncovers alarming trends in precipitation, runoff, and temperature, underscoring the intensification of climatic stressors. Concurrently, the land use land cover change analysis exposes significant alterations in the physical landscape, pointing to the dynamic environmental shifts in the region. The findings highlight disparities in vulnerability, with small farmers facing heightened risks due to individual land ownership constraints and limited resources. Medium farmers, primarily family landowners, exhibit a slightly lower vulnerability, while large farmers demonstrate comparatively lower vulnerability, leveraging diversified land ownership.
The participatory approach delves into the behavioural dynamics of communities during extreme weather events. The study identifies significant risks posed by flooding, affecting agricultural operations, damaging infrastructure, and uprooting communities. Coping strategies employed by these communities range from traditional practices to innovative adaptations.
The study recommends the implement community-based climate education programs to enhance awareness and understanding of climate risks which can empower farmers and fishers to make informed decisions and adopt adaptive strategies. Furthermore, the study prioritizes infrastructure investments that bolster flood resilience, particularly for small farmers. This includes the development of flood-resistant agricultural practices, early warning systems, and improved transportation infrastructure.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):