Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The impact of climate change, particularly flooding, on housing for the urban poor in Ilaje-Somolu Local Government Area, is a critical environmental issue that requires attention. This research project aims to investigate the effects of flooding on housing conditions and the livelihoods of the urban poor in the study area. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data on the experiences of residents living in flood-prone areas. The research will focus on assessing the vulnerability of housing structures to flooding, the coping strategies employed by residents, and the overall resilience of the urban poor community in the face of climate change impacts. By examining the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of the issue, this study seeks to provide insights into the complex interactions between climate change and housing for the urban poor. Through the analysis of data collected from households, local authorities, and other stakeholders, the research aims to identify key challenges and opportunities for improving housing conditions in flood-prone areas. The findings of this study will contribute to the development of targeted interventions and policies to enhance the resilience of urban poor communities facing climate change impacts. Overall, this research project will shed light on the specific ways in which climate change, particularly flooding, affects housing for the urban poor in Ilaje-Somolu Local Government Area. By understanding the dynamics of this relationship, policymakers, urban planners, and community leaders can develop more effective strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations. This research is timely and relevant in the context of increasing climate variability and the need for sustainable urban development practices that prioritize the well-being of all residents, especially the urban poor.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

In the past four decades, economic losses due to natural hazards such as, floods disasters have increased in many folds and have also resulted in major loss of human lives and livelihoods, the destruction of economic and social infrastructure, as well as environmental damages (Munich, 2002). Flood could be seen as one of the most common natural disasters in the world. Floods, one of natural hazards result from the potential for extreme geographical events, to create an unexpected threat to human life and property (Smith, 1996). When severe floods occur in areas occupied by humans, they can create natural disasters which involve the loss of human life and property plus serious disruption to the ongoing activities of large urban and rural communities (Smith and Ward, 1998).

However, besides the negative flood impact such as damage to houses and other buildings, loss of life, loss of jobs or income, disruption of the network of social contact, and interruption to normal access to education, health and food services, there can be a variety of positive flood impacts, for instance, increased fertility of agricultural land (Parker et al. 1987). For poorer groups, some of the impacts are very direct, if flood becomes more frequent and hazardous. The urban poor are the most vulnerable socially, economically and physically to the impacts of extreme events and, to the impact of adverse environmental tendencies resulting from climate change such as flood, drought, increasing sea-level etc. Vulnerability, is a critical dimension of poverty, though synonymous with poverty, but refers to defenselessness and insecurity (Idowu, 2011). With the increasing number of urban dwellers worldwide, the number of people at risk or vulnerable to flood hazards is likely to increase. Any increase in disasters, whether large or small, will threaten development gains and hinder the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (UN-ISDR, 2008). Disasters such as flooding, poses serious challenge to the economy of a nation. It must be noted that the economic environment of a nation consists of its financial systems, social welfare, power sector, transportation, investments, commerce, manufacturing, construction and banking among others.