Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology

Research Paper|Published July 2025|Vol.11(1):7-15

https://doi.org/10.36630/jasft_25011

 

 

Assessment of the Effect of Flood Disaster on Food Security In Bade Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria

 

Aduloju, M. Omolola¹, Adedeji, I. Ajibade², and Makinde, O. John^3*

 

¹Department of Agronomy, Federal University, Gashua, Nigeria. ²Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University, Gashua, Nigeria.
³Department of Animal Science, Federal University, Gashua, Nigeria.
  

ABSTRACT

Bade Local Government in Yobe State, Nigeria, has experienced an increase in the frequency and severity of seasonal floods, threatening the livelihoods of local farmers. These floods disrupt agricultural activities and exacerbate regional food insecurity. This study aimed to describe the socio-economic characteristics of respondents in the study area, identify the types of crops most vulnerable to flooding, and assess the impact of flooding on farmers’ income, availability of livestock feed, livestock health and productivity, as well as nutritional quality of crops and livestock. It also examined the mitigation strategies employed by rural households in the study area. Data were collected from 171 farming households using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Findings revealed that the majority of household heads were between the ages of 40 and 59 years (71.93%), while 21.64% were between 20 and 39 years old. The lowest percentage (6.43%) comprised respondents aged  60 years and above. The study also found that the highest source of capital was personal savings (99.42%), with only 0.58% depending on bank loans. Millet (99%) was the most vulnerable crop to flood damage, followed by beans (95%), pepper (92%), and sesame (79%). Approximately 87% of the respondents reported that flooding affected their income and reduced their ability to purchase quality food, while 13% (22 respondents) indicated that they were not significantly affected. Notably, all 171 respondents (100%) acknowledged early warning systems as an effective mitigation strategy. The findings suggest that interventions should focus on improving water management, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and strengthening social safety nets to safeguard food security in flood-prone areas. Additionally, priority should be given to the construction and maintenance of flood control infrastructures such as dams, dikes, and drainage systems. The promotion of climate-smart agricultural and resilience practices, such as planting resistant crop varieties and early maturing crops, is also recommended. Furthermore, encouraging livelihood diversification, enhancing early warning systems, and fostering disaster preparedness among residents are critical steps toward building community resilience in the study area.

Keywords: Agriculture, Climate Change, Flood Disasters, Food Security, Household.

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