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A Geographical Assessment of the Causes of Excess Flooding in Borno State, Nigeria
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Geography
Abstract
This study assesses the causes of excess flooding in Borno State, Nigeria, using GIS spatial analysis and a household survey of 200 residents. GIS results show that high-risk flood zones are concentrated in low-lying areas such as Ngala, Marte, Jere, and Maiduguri, where flat terrain and proximity to rivers increase susceptibility. Survey findings reveal that flooding occurs mainly during July?September, often remaining stagnant for over a week due to inadequate drainage. Major drivers identified include river overflow (92%), construction on floodplains (84%), heavy rainfall (76%), blocked drains (76%), and poor drainage infrastructure (80%). Land-use changes, especially the conversion of wetlands and farmlands into residential areas, combined with increased paved surfaces have intensified runoff. Respondents also observed heavier rainfall in recent years. The study concludes that both environmental and human factors contribute significantly to flooding and recommends improved drainage systems, strict land-use regulation, restoration of natural water pathways, and enhanced government-led flood management.
Keywords
Flooding, GIS, Flood Risk Mapping, Land-Use Change, Climate Change
References
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How to cite this paper
@article{1712083,
author = {Sadiq Abullahi, Babakaka Sheriff},
title = {A Geographical Assessment of the Causes of Excess Flooding in Borno State, Nigeria},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {9},
number = {5},
pages = {1114-1122},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1712083.pdf},
abstract = {This study assesses the causes of excess flooding in Borno State, Nigeria, using GIS spatial analysis and a household survey of 200 residents. GIS results show that high-risk flood zones are concentrated in low-lying areas such as Ngala, Marte, Jere, and Maiduguri, where flat terrain and proximity to rivers increase susceptibility. Survey findings reveal that flooding occurs mainly during July?September, often remaining stagnant for over a week due to inadequate drainage. Major drivers identified include river overflow (92%), construction on floodplains (84%), heavy rainfall (76%), blocked drains (76%), and poor drainage infrastructure (80%). Land-use changes, especially the conversion of wetlands and farmlands into residential areas, combined with increased paved surfaces have intensified runoff. Respondents also observed heavier rainfall in recent years. The study concludes that both environmental and human factors contribute significantly to flooding and recommends improved drainage systems, strict land-use regulation, restoration of natural water pathways, and enhanced government-led flood management.},
keywords = {Flooding, GIS, Flood Risk Mapping, Land-Use Change, Climate Change},
month = {November},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I5-1712083}
}