CHARACTERIZATION AND EFFECT OF FLOOD WATER YIELD IN AKPOHA, EBONYI AND INYABA RIVERS,IN THE ECONOMY OF EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

CHARACTERIZATION AND EFFECT OF FLOOD WATER YIELD

Abstract

This work characterized flood water yield of Akpoha, Ebonyi and Inyaba rivers. It adopted flood metrics of the three rivers to determine the behaviour of the affected rivers. This assessment tried to characterize the water yield and how it affects the economic activities within the affected floodplains in Ebonyi State. This proffered solution to the problems of annual flooding in the affected floodplains. Akpoha, Ebonyi and Inyaba Rivers were sampled at different points. Questionnaire used to ascertain effect of flood water and 5x4 factorial design adopted to determine the relationship between sample points and parameters for 2014, 2015 and 2016 using analysis of variance for Completely Randomized Design. Mean values evaluated for significant differences using Fisher’s Least Significant Differences at P < 0.01.T-test was used for confirmation. The rivers sampled at four points, a1, a2, a3, a4 Akpoha. b1,b2, b3, b4.  Ebonyi and c1, c2, c3,c4 Inyaba. The main factors determined were discharge, flow velocity, flow rate, width and depth.150 questionnaires drawn in 2014, 2015 and 2016 to determine the effect of flood on the economy. Results showed that the factors were highly statistically significant at 1% level and the confirmatory test via FLSD also agreed to that. Results of the questionnaire showed that the highest income of  one million seven hundred and ninety seven thousand Naira was recorded by fish farmers in Akpoha in 2016 and the least sum of one million two hundred and eighty five thousand Naira was recorded in Ebonyi in 2014. The Table also indicated that the highest sum of two million fifty four thousand Naira was observed in Inyaba in 2015 and the least sum of one million two hundred and fifty thousand five hundred Naira was recorded in Inyaba in 2014 by the crop farmers. The maximum loss of one million nine hundred and eighty two thousand Naira was observed in Akpoha in 2016 while the least loss of six hundred and eighty four thousand five hundred Naira was recorded in Ebonyi in 2015. The test of hypothesis for the aggregate economic indexes and losses showed that in the year 2014 the variation at Akpoha, Ebonyi and Inyaba were low at 0 -20 percent. Akpoha, Ebonyi and Inyaba were moderate at 20 -50 percent in 2015. The result also showed that Akpoha, Ebonyi and Inyaba were very low at 0 – 20 percent in 2016. The results were recommended to save the economy and  individuals living in floodplains and also exploit benefits from the areas. 

Author Biographies

Dr. Igwe Thomas Sunday, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Department of Soil Science and Environmental Management

Ikwo Tina Nkechinyere, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Department of Fisheries and Aquacultures