Authors : Esemokhai, ThankGod David; Osarobo, Johnbull Idemudia

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/28jm79u6

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2u7upakn

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul318

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Flooding is a recurring environmental challenge in Nigeria, with Kogi State particularly vulnerable due to its location within the Niger–Benue floodplain. This study provides an integrated assessment of the positive and negative impacts of flooding on agriculture, human settlements, livelihoods, and environmental systems in Kogi State. Specifically, the study examined the effects of flooding on agricultural productivity and human settlements, assessed the positive contributions of seasonal flooding to soil fertility, groundwater recharge, fisheries, and livelihood diversification, and evaluated household and community-level coping and adaptation strategies for sustainable flood risk management. A mixedmethods research design was adopted, involving household surveys, key informant interviews, and secondary data sources. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential techniques, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The results show that flooding has statistically significant negative effects on crop production, livestock, housing, infrastructure, displacement, public health, and economic activities across flood-prone Local Government Areas. Conversely, seasonal flooding contributes positively to soil fertility enhancement, groundwater recharge, fisheries development, and livelihood diversification, thereby supporting environmental sustainability and livelihood resilience. Although households and communities employ various coping and adaptation strategies, these measures are largely shortterm and insufficient to reduce long-term flood vulnerability without institutional support. The study concludes that flooding in Kogi State functions as both a hazard and a resource, underscoring the need for integrated flood risk management approaches that reduce flood-related risks while harnessing the ecological and livelihood benefits of seasonal flooding. The findings offer valuable insights for evidence-based policy formulation aimed at enhancing resilience and sustainable development in flood-prone communities.

Keywords : Flooding, Agriculture, Human Settlements, Positive Impacts, Negative Impacts, Kogi State, Nigeria.

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