A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND FLOODING IN NIGERIA IN 2024

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The environment is a concept that we are highly acquainted with.  It encompasses all the elements that constitute our environment and impact our capacity to inhabit the planet. Environmental degradation is a significant global concern that encompasses various issues such as pollution, loss of biodiversity, animal extinction, deforestation, desertification, global warming, and more (Tian et al., 2019). Environmental degradation refers to the decline and deterioration of the environment caused by the depletion of resources. This includes the degradation of both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) elements that make up our surroundings, such as air, water, soil, plants, animals, and other components of the Earth (Bourque et al., 2018).  Environmental degradation has resulted in the emergence of novel genes and the growth of certain species, while others have seen decline.  In the process of natural selection, species undergo continuous regeneration in response to changes in the environment, with human activity serving as the primary driving force. The human being is likewise a creation of the natural world; this transition represents a shift towards natural substitution.

The primary cause of environmental degradation is attributed to human activities such as modern urbanisation, industry, overpopulation development, and deforestation, as well as natural occurrences like as floods, typhoons, droughts, rising temperatures, and fires.  Environmental pollution is the process of deteriorating the quality and quantity of natural resources. Various human activities are the primary causes of environmental degradation.  The car and industrial sectors contribute to the proliferation of harmful gases such as SOx, NOx, CO, and smoke in the environment.  Unplanned urbanisation and industrialization have resulted in the contamination of water, air, soil, and sound.  The processes of industrialization, urbanisation, and sewage waste contribute to the escalation of water contamination (Olorode et al., 2019). Likewise, the emissions produced by automobiles and industry, such as Chlorofluorocarbon, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and other particulate matter, contaminate the atmosphere. Since the inception of tool usage and the subsequent formation of societies, mankind has played a significant impact in the evolution of the natural environment.

Nigeria confronts a variety of environmental degradation problems, encompassing deforestation, soil erosion, desertification, and pollution. Research has indicated that Deforestation diminishes the land's capacity to assimilate rainfall, leading to an escalation in surface runoff and a heightened vulnerability to flooding (Sanchez, 2019). Ade (2023) supports this claim by asserting that extensive logging, agricultural growth, and urbanisation have resulted in substantial deforestation, which in turn has contributed to the recurring flooding in numerous areas in Nigeria. In an interview, Ishola (2018) asserts that soil erosion and desertification are caused by unsustainable agricultural practices, overgrazing, and climate change. He further explains that these factors degrade the land, reducing its fertility and ability to manage water, which in turn leads to increased flooding in affected areas. The process of rapid urbanisation and alterations in land use patterns have resulted in the substitution of natural landscapes with impermeable surfaces, such as highways and buildings. This alteration disturbs the natural water cycles and amplifies the amount of surface runoff following intense rainfall (Craik, 2017). In addition, inadequate waste management practices and the discharge of pollutants from industries contribute to the contamination of water bodies and the obstruction of drainage systems, so intensifying the likelihood of flooding. Obstructed drainage channels impede the smooth movement of rainwater, resulting in water accumulation and subsequent flooding (Ayodeji & Jamiu, 2022).

Flooding in Nigeria is a persistent issue that has substantial effects on people, infrastructure, and the economy. The nation encounters diverse forms of floods, encompassing riverine floods, urban floods, and flash floods. Flooding poses a substantial environmental obstacle that affects several regions in Nigeria, resulting in noteworthy social, economic, and environmental consequences. The correlation between environmental degradation and flooding is of utmost importance, as human activities that degrade the environment can intensify the frequency and severity of floods. By 2024, Nigeria continues to face this problem as a significant and urgent matter, requiring an in-depth examination to comprehend the root causes and devise efficient measures for prevention and reduction.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Flooding is a persistent and substantial problem in Nigeria, impacting multiple people, businesses, and habitats. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in both the occurrence and severity of floods, resulting in significant destruction of properties, loss of lives, and disruption of socio-economic activity. By 2024, this issue continues to be crucial, necessitating a thorough examination of its underlying causes and contributing elements.

Environmental deterioration is a significant factor in the rising occurrence of flooding. The natural landscape and water management systems in Nigeria have been extensively modified by activities such as deforestation, inadequate land use practices, urbanisation, and pollution (Ayodeji, 2022). These alterations have not only heightened the vulnerability of regions to flooding but have also intensified the consequences of flood occurrences. According to Wahab (2019), Land Use Changes and Environmental Degradation are identified as major contributors to flooding in Nigeria. The replacement of native landscapes with impermeable substances, such as cement and asphalt, has reduced the land's natural capacity to absorb rainfall, leading to increased surface water runoff and a higher risk of flooding. According to Punch (2024), the primary factors contributing to recurrent floods are the erection of structures on floodplains and inadequate drainage systems, as emphasised by experts. The execution of large-scale sand filling and land reclamation initiatives disturbs the inherent hydrological processes, resulting in the aggravation of flooding issues (Akim, 2023). The reduction of vegetation has been identified as a primary factor contributing to several environmental issues, including flooding, soil erosion, decreased air quality, and loss of biodiversity (Biodun et al., 2023). 

There is a scarcity of data about flood-related fatalities in Nigeria, making it difficult to obtain precise and up-to-date figures. However, it is established that these deaths occur on a yearly basis (Adelekan, 2016; Olanrewaju et al., 2019; Nkwunonwo et al., 2016). According to the World Bank, the floods in Lagos in 2018 resulted in the deaths of 55 individuals (Croitoru et al., 2020). A total of 150 flood-related fatalities were reported in Nigeria in 2020, according to Usigbe (2021), whereas the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) (2021) recorded 158 deaths in 2019. The cumulative number of fatalities caused by flooding in Nigeria from 2011 to 2020 was 1,187 (Umar and Grey, 2022). Nigeria can bolster its ability to withstand future flood occurrences, safeguard its communities, and foster sustainable development by tackling the underlying causes of flooding. Therefore, the necessity for this investigation arises.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically evaluate the Relationship Between Environmental Degradation and Flooding in Nigeria in 2024. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To evaluate the extent to which environmental degradation contributes to the frequency and severity of flooding in Nigeria.

To investigate the impact of land use changes, such as sand filling and land reclamation, on natural water flow and flood patterns in Nigeria.

To analyze the current state of flood management infrastructure and policies in Nigeria.

To develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate flood risks by addressing environmental degradation

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

What is the extent to which environmental degradation contributes to the frequency and severity of flooding in Nigeria?

What is the impact of land use changes, such as sand filling and land reclamation, on natural water flow and flood patterns in Nigeria?

What is the current state of flood management infrastructure and policies in Nigeria?

What are the strategies to mitigate flood risks by addressing environmental degradation?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following research hypotheses will validate this study;

Ho: The extent to which environmental degradation contributes to the frequency and severity of flooding in Nigeria is low.

Ha: The extent to which environmental degradation contributes to the frequency and severity of flooding in Nigeria is high.

1.6 Significance of the study

An investigation on the correlation between environmental degradation and floods in Nigeria in 2024 holds great importance due to its impact on catastrophe risk reduction, sustainable development, policy formulation, and community resilience. It tackles urgent environmental issues while advocating for methods to build a stronger and more enduring future. The study will provide significant advantages to the vulnerable populations in Nigeria who are impacted by flooding, as well as policymakers, students, and scholars. 

Environmental degradation, including deforestation, inappropriate waste disposal, and erosion, can worsen flooding by modifying natural drainage patterns and diminishing the land's capacity to absorb water. Analysing this correlation aids in comprehending the extent to which these variables contribute to the incidence of floods. 

Furthermore, floods have a greater impact on vulnerable populations in Nigeria, resulting in the relocation of people, loss of sources of income, and increased health hazards. Through an examination of the connection between environmental deterioration and its consequences, tailored interventions can be implemented to reduce these impacts and strengthen community resilience. 

Furthermore, the results obtained from the study can provide valuable insights for the development of policies focused on environmental preservation, sustainable land management, and mitigation of disaster risks. This entails enhancing the implementation of environmental rules and advocating for the development of eco-friendly infrastructure.

Furthermore, future academics will employ it as a comprehensive analysis of the existing corpus of academic literature. As a result, future students who are interested in studying this subject will be able to use this work as a reliable source of information that can be thoroughly assessed.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically evaluate the Relationship Between Environmental Degradation and Flooding in Nigeria in 2024. Specifically, this study seeks to evaluate the extent to which environmental degradation contributes to the frequency and severity of flooding in Nigeria, investigate the impact of land use changes, such as sand filling and land reclamation, on natural water flow and flood patterns, the current state of flood management infrastructure and policies in Nigeria and it also seeks to develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate flood risks by addressing environmental degradation in Nigeria.

1.8 Limitations of the study

As is common in all human endeavours, the researchers faced minor limitations when conducting the study. The main limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the subject, as there is limited data available for A Study of the Relationship Between Environmental Degradation and Flooding in Nigeria in 2024. Consequently, a significant amount of time and effort was necessary to locate the appropriate materials, books, or information and to gather data. 

Additionally, this study is constrained by its small sample size and narrow geographical scope, focusing just on Nigeria. Consequently, the results of this study are not applicable for generalization, thereby leaving room for further research. 

Additionally, the researcher's limitations were primarily due to financial constraints, as they are a student and do not have a source of income to sustain themselves. It was challenging to afford transportation expenses to and from the study location due to the high cost of transportation, which is influenced by inflation in Nigeria today.

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while also fulfilling the obligations of attending lectures and other educational activities.

1.9 Definition of terms

Flood: Flood is an overflow of water onto normally dry land. The inundation of a normally dry area caused by rising water in an existing waterway, such as a river, stream, or drainage ditch. Ponding of water at or near the point where the rain fell. Flooding is a longer term event than flash flooding: it may last days or weeks.

Flood risk: Flood risk is a combination of the probability (likelihood or chance) of a flood event happening and the consequences (impact) if it occurred.

Urbanization: Urbanization is the process through which cities grow, and higher and higher percentages of the population come to live in the city.