EFFECT OF DEMOGRAPHIC AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS ON COMMUNITY RESILIENCE TO FLOOD HAZARD IN CALABAR SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA
Author(s): Joel Efiong; Iquo Dorcas Anara; David Odey
Institute(s): Department of Environmental Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences University of Calabar
Volume 5 / Issue 1
Abstract
Flooding remains a significant environmental challenge globally, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations in urban and low-lying areas. In Calabar South Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State, Nigeria, recurring flood events pose severe risks to lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. This study investigated the influence of socio-economic and demographic factors on community resilience to flood hazards in three flood-prone communities: Jebs/Ibesikpo, Anantigha, and Eneobong Avenue. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 585 copies of structured questionnaire were administered to household heads, and data were analyzed through multiple regression modeling. The dependent variable (community resilience) was operationalized as perceived recovery speed from flood events. Independent variables included income level, educational attainment, age, gender, and household size. Findings revealed that 73.6 per cent of households rated their flood recovery as either "slow" or "very slow." Regression results demonstrated a statistically significant model (R² = 0.529, p < 0.001), indicating that over half the variation in resilience could be explained by the selected socio-economic and demographic variables. Income (B = 0.244) and education level (B = 0.125) had significant positive influences on resilience, highlighting the importance of financial resources and awareness in disaster preparedness and response. Conversely, household size (B = -0.281), age (B = -0.151), and gender (B = -0.125) were negatively associated with resilience, suggesting that larger households, older individuals, and women perceive themselves as less able to recover from flood impacts. These findings align with existing literature that emphasizes the role of socio-economic vulnerability in shaping disaster outcomes. The study concluded that socio-demographic characteristics are critical determinants of flood resilience. Therefore, local, state and federal governments should incorporate these variables into disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies. Tailored interventions, such as gender-sensitive policies, income support programs, education campaigns, and inclusive community planning, are essential to enhancing resilience among at-risk populations. The results serve as a vital reference for policy formulation aimed at reducing flood vulnerability and promoting sustainable urban resilience in Calabar South and similar flood-prone regions.
Number of Pages: 15
Number of Words: 5118
First Page: 1
Last Page: 15