Flood Disasters Risk Assessment and Climate Change Resilience in Niamey – Niger

Abstract

Climate change has become one of the most pressing environmental issues in recent decades, resulting in a significant increase in rainfall intensity and causing floods in various countries worldwide. Flooding is a natural calamity that, when combined with climate change, can cause severe damage in Niger. The capital city, Niamey, located in the western region of the country, is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its susceptibility to rainfall, rapid population growth, and uncontrolled urbanization. In response to this problem, a study was conducted to identify, map, and simulate flood risk zones to enhance decision-making for better land use planning in the face of a changing climate. The study aimed to evaluate the degree of socio-economic and environmental threats related to flood disasters in the examined area. The data for the study were collected through a combination of field and archival research, including the use of a questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed scientifically using frequency distribution tables, basic percentages, graphs, and charts. The study also analyzed the spatiotemporal land use/land cover change in relation to urbanization sprawl based on a series of Landsat images of 1981, 1991, 2001, 2011 and 2021. Additionally, satellite and GIS data were used, and statistical tools were applied to describe and identify the hydro-climatic causes of floods. The research found that flooding is the most common environmental disaster in the study area, occurring almost yearly and causing significant harm to socio-economic and environmental elements. Excessive rainfall, poor drainage infrastructure, and mismanagement of water reservoirs were identified as the primary causes of the flood disaster. The study also found that disaster management/response agencies are making efforts to respond to the flood threat in the area. However, statistics suggested that these interventions are insufficient in minimizing the hazards and threats of flood disasters in the examined area, with most efforts being aimed at relief and rehabilitative aid for the victims. Therefore, the study highlights the need for all stakeholders to accelerate efforts towards delivering a viable solution to the hazards and threats of flood disasters in the research area through preventive and mitigation measures.