Abstract

We examined the effects of flooding on crop yield in Oleh, South-South Nigeria. The length of the different farmlands were taken, the length of the flooded period, the percentage of total length and the depth of the flood water were all recorded and used for the study. The period of water retention on the farmlands was measured and the flood type categorized. The estimated yield and estimated loss from the farmlands for the two years (2011 and 2012) were recorded and analyzed. The study revealed that there was a high level of inundation in farmlands in Oleh soon after every rain event. A mean value of 0.608 kilometers of flooded portion was recorded at Odah in 2011, 0.441 kilometers at Iwhreotah in 2011, 0.547 kilometers at Erorin in 2011 and 0.485 kilometers at Odah in 2012, 0.425 kilometers at Iwhreotah in 2012 and 0.598 kilometers of flooded portion in 2012 at Erorin quarters were generally observed in the farm lands. The study revealed that all the crops cultivated in the area (cassava, melon, yam, maize, plantain) were affected by flooding above 50 percent of total yield of each crop cultivated in the area except yam (46.9%). We recommend that fast growing and quick yielding species of plants be introduced in the area as well as the ridge and furrow method of farming. The ridge will be used to plant the crops, while the furrow acts as a check to the excess water found on the farmland.

Keywords: Oleh; Crop yield; Natural hazard; Flooding; Nigeria