CLIMATE CHANGE-INDUCED IMPACT: THE CASE OF FLOODING IN IBADAN, SOUTHWEST NIGERIA
DISCUSSION FORUM
CLIMATE CHANGE-INDUCED IMPACT: THE CASE OF FLOODING IN IBADAN, SOUTHWEST NIGERIA
1. Introduction
Ibadan is the capital of Oyo State, in South-western Nigeria. It is an ancient city that sits on many streams and rivers, including Ogunpa, Ona, Ogbere and Omi. The city has a long history of flooding spanning over a century, with first recorded significant one occurring in 1933 (Emeka, 2012). Since then, the city has experienced more frequent and intense rainfall events, which are linked to climate change and irregular weather patterns. This has overwhelmed drainage systems and led to urban floods that damage property, disrupt livelihoods, and threaten lives.
Historically, heavy rainfall that leads to overflow of rivers and dams, accompanied sometimes by intense rainstorms has often been the main driver of flooding in the city.
2. Why This Matters
These floods are not just isolated events; they reflect changing climate patterns that bring sudden intense rains interspersed with longer dry periods.
Urban flooding in Ibadan is worsened by poor drainage, rapid urbanisation, and blocked waterways, increasing the severity of damage to homes, infrastructure, and local economies.
This kind of flooding is a tangible climate change impact experienced by residents of Ibadan and serves as a key example of how global climate shifts can have local environmental and socio-economic effects.
3. Challenges of Climate-Change-Induced Flooding in Ibadan
Climate-change-induced increased flooding in Ibadan creates several specific and interconnected challenges for local communities, infrastructure, and everyday life:
3.1. Challenges to Local Community Members
a. Loss of Lives and Health Risks
Sudden flash floods endanger lives, especially children, the elderly, and people living near riverbanks and low-lying areas (e.g., Apete, Odo-Ona, parts of Challenge).
Floodwaters often mix with sewage, increasing outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, malaria, and skin infections.
b. Economic Hardship
Many residents lose homes, household items, and means of livelihood (traders, artisans, farmers).
Informal workers who depend on daily income suffer prolonged loss of earnings after flood events.
c. Displacement and Social Stress
Flooding forces families to temporarily or permanently relocate, leading to overcrowding with relatives or in public shelters.
This disrupts family stability and increases stress, trauma, and vulnerability.
3.2. Challenges to Infrastructure
a. Damage to Roads and Transport
Flooded and eroded roads (e.g., inner city roads and feeder roads) become impassable.
Increased potholes and collapsed culverts raise transport costs and accident risks.
b. Strain on Drainage and Housing
Existing drainage systems are overwhelmed by intense rainfall.
Poorly constructed houses, common in informal settlements, collapse or become uninhabitable.
c. Disruption of Utilities
Flooding damages electricity installations, water supply lines, and communication networks.
Prolonged power outages affect homes, hospitals, and small businesses.
3.3. Challenges to Way of Life and Culture
a. Disruption of Education
Schools close during severe flooding; children miss classes or cannot safely commute.
Learning outcomes decline, especially for children from low-income households.
b. Impact on Agriculture and Food Systems
Peri-urban farmers around Ibadan experience crop destruction and soil erosion.
This contributes to higher food prices and food insecurity.
c. Erosion of Communal Living Patterns
Traditional neighbourhood interactions, markets, and religious gatherings are disrupted.
Fear of future floods discourages long-term investment in homes and community development.
4. Long-Term Implications
Repeated flooding entrenches urban poverty and inequality.
Communities become trapped in a cycle of damage and repair rather than development.
Trust in public institutions may decline if flood management and early warning systems are inadequate.
5. Conclusion:
In Ibadan, climate-change-driven flooding threatens lives, damages infrastructure, undermines livelihoods, disrupts education and health, and gradually reshapes community life and economic stability.
References
Emeka, E. E. (2012). The Menace of Flood in Nigeria: Impacts and Rehabilitation Strategies. Journal of Environmental Strategy and Safety. Volume 3, No. 5.