THE IMPACT OF FLOODING ON HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN MAKURDI TOWN, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
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Flooding is a persistent challenge in Makurdi, disrupting housing stability and urban development. This study examines the relationship between socio-economic factors, urban infrastructure, and flood risks, focusing on their impact on housing development in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Data were collected through field surveys in flood-prone areas, including Wurukum, High Level, Wadata, Modern Market, and North Bank, and analysed using Chi-square tests, regression, spatial, and trend analyses. Additionally, rainfall data from 2000 to 2010 were assessed to understand its correlation with flood occurrences and housing impacts. Findings indicate that 90% of respondents experienced regular flooding, with the most significant events occurring in 2012 and 2018. Income levels and occupations influenced recovery capacity, as 65.2% of respondents earned below ₦500,000 annually, limiting their ability to repair or rebuild housing. Spatial analysis identified Wadata and North Bank as the most flood-vulnerable areas, where poor infrastructure worsened housing damage. Rainfall analysis revealed years of intense rainfall during the study period, directly contributing to severe flooding and housing setbacks. These findings align with similar studies across Nigeria, linking inadequate drainage and poor urban planning to increased flood impacts. The study emphasizes that flooding severely hinders housing development in low-income neighborhoods, where economic constraints heighten vulnerability. The study highlights the urgent need for improved flood management, enhanced urban infrastructure, and targeted assistance for affected communities to mitigate flooding's adverse effects on housing development in Makurdi.
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