ASSESSMENT OF RESIDENTS' PERCEPTION OF CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF FLOODING IN OSOGBO, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study however examines the residents' perception of the causes and effects of flooding in Osogbo. The study relied on both primary and secondary data. Primary data were obtained through questionnaire administration on the
residents of the study area. The purposive sampling method was used to select five flood-prone areas
in the study area. They are Malam Tope, Rasco, Gbodofon, Fiwasaye and Oke Baale. A 90m buffer
was set around the residential buildings earlier identified and was marked into three strata. Out of
2701 buildings identified in the affected areas, 270 representing 10% were selected for this study. A
systematic sampling technique was used to determine the sample size in the administration of the
questionnaires in all the strata. Relative Severity Index (RSI) on the severity of flood disasters was
sought using a five-point Likert scale with 1-5 weighted averages. Secondary data were sourced from
journals, the internet, and environment planning agencies; OSSEMA. Data collected were analyzed
using descriptive methods; measures of central tendency, tables, etc. Four major causes of flood,
heavy rainfall, building along water channels, lack of drainage, and indiscriminate dumping of refuse
were identified for all strata. The relative severity index (RSI) of flooding in the three strata indicated
that loss of possession and household items have the highest mean weighted value of (2.7813),
(2.0607), and (1.1943) respectively. The study recommends the incorporation of physical planning policies, and development control enforcement among others.

Keywords: Residents, Flooding, Disasters, Perception.