Effectiveness of Flood Disaster Management Strategies in Benue State, Nigeria: Evidence from the 2022 Makurdi Flood Event

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of flood disaster management strategies during the 2022 Makurdi flood in Benue State, Nigeria. A mixed-methods design was used, involving 384 household questionnaires (365 retrieved) and 12 key-informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and effectiveness indices, while qualitative data were examined thematically. Findings show that 68% of households relied on sandbags or wooden barriers and 60.5% cleared drains, but only 15.6% monitored rainfall and 15.1% stored food and water. Early warnings reached 77.3% of respondents, yet 33.7% received them only a few days before flooding; radio (58.4%) and social media (46%) were the main channels. The Household Preparedness Effectiveness Index (HPEI) was 3.40 (moderate) and the Early Warning Effectiveness Index (EWEI) was 3.49 (moderate). Response actions were largely reactive: 34.5% stayed at home, 27.1% moved to higher ground, and only 11% evacuated to camps, with just 20% acting immediately after warnings. Major challenges included poor drainage maintenance (mean = 3.12), late warnings (mean = 3.00), and weak institutional coordination (mean = 3.11). The Composite Flood Management Effectiveness Index (CFMEI) was 0.55, indicating moderate overall effectiveness. To improve outcomes, the study recommends strengthening early warning systems (radio, SMS, community networks) and integrating NiMet/NIHSA forecasts; promoting household preparedness through awareness, evacuation training, and support for sandbags and door-step raising; clarifying roles of NEMA, SEMA, local government, and community leaders and establishing joint response frameworks; investing in drainage infrastructure, enforcing land-use regulations, and pre-positioning relief materials; and developing sustainable recovery programs that restore livelihoods and housing with community participation.