The Socio-Cultural Effects of Flooding in Bayelsa State: A Case Study of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area

Abstract

Flood has been the most devastating natural disaster in the world which has often impacted negatively on the socio-cultural organization of human societies. In Nigeria, flood has been reported to affect and displace more people than any other disaster. It also causes more damage to property. Flood disasters are been perilous to people, communities and institutions. Recently, Nigeria, especially the Niger Delta area was affected by flooding chasing most inhabitants away from their socio-cultural and economic heritage. While Bayelsa State was recorded as one of the worst affected, the case of Southern Ijaw LGA was most lamentable. The study examined the socio-cultural effects of flooding in Bayelsa State: A case study of Southern Ijaw LGA. In this study, a descriptive survey design was used. Systems theory was adopted as theoretical framework for the study. A combination of cluster and purposive sampling techniques were adopted while the instruments of questionnaire, interview schedules and focus group discussion were utilized. The sample population for the study was three hundred and eighty six (n = 386). The study revealed that the people of Southern Ijaw were devastated by 2012 flooding and their socio-cultural heritage was severely affected. Specific socio-cultural effects of flooding on the people of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area include amongst others; displacement of communities, rendering families homeless, disruption of business activities and vulnerability to various forms of crimes, etc.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1443