Effect of climate change (flood) on housing for the urban poor in ilajesomolu local government’ (environmental science project topics and materials)

Project Abstract

Climate change, specifically flooding, poses a significant threat to the housing conditions of the urban poor in Ilajesomolu Local Government Area. This study aims to investigate the effects of flooding, exacerbated by climate change, on the housing situation of the urban poor in the region. The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews and surveys to gather comprehensive insights into the challenges faced by the urban poor in maintaining adequate housing in the face of flooding events. The study will focus on understanding the vulnerabilities of housing structures in Ilajesomolu Local Government Area to flooding, examining the impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of flooding events in the region. By analyzing historical data on flooding incidents and conducting field surveys, the research intends to identify the specific ways in which flooding affects the housing conditions of the urban poor, including structural damage, displacement, and loss of property. Furthermore, the study will investigate the adaptive strategies employed by the urban poor to cope with the impacts of flooding on their housing situations. This will involve assessing the effectiveness of existing flood resilience measures, such as raised foundations, flood barriers, and early warning systems, in mitigating the adverse effects of flooding on housing for the urban poor. The research will also explore the role of government policies and programs in supporting vulnerable populations in adapting to climate change-induced flooding and improving their housing conditions. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and community stakeholders in developing effective strategies to enhance the resilience of housing for the urban poor in Ilajesomolu Local Government Area against the impacts of climate change-induced flooding. By understanding the specific challenges faced by vulnerable communities in the region, targeted interventions can be designed to improve housing conditions, reduce risks, and enhance the overall well-being of the urban poor in the face of climate change.

Project Overview

<p> </p><p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p>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).</p><p>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.</p> <br><p></p>