Global Journal of Human-Social Science, B: Geography, Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Volume 22 Issue 3

been made in determining the extent of household vulnerability to flood disasters in this area. Previous studies on flood in Benue State focused on flood damage; rainfall pattern and its implication on flood frequency; and social impact and people’s perception of flooding all in Makurdi town (Ali, 2018, 2006; Ologunorisa and Tersoo, 2006; Ocheri and Okele, 2012). Similarly Ali, Onah, Mage, Yiyeh, Tarzoho, and Iorhuna, (2022) assessed household vulnerability to flood also in Makurdi town which suggests that flood studies in this area are concentrated in urban areas, while little is little has been reported in the literature on vulnerability of households to flooding in flood prone rural communities of Benue State including Oweto. It is in view of the above that this study assessed household vulnerability to flood disasters in Oweto, a rural area in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. II. M aterial and M ethods a) Study Area Oweto is an agrarian community in Usha Council Ward in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. Oweto is located between Latitudes 7 0 49’15’’N and 7 0 49’45’’N and Longitudes 7 0 57’55’’E and 7 0 58’10’’E at the Lower Benue River floodplains (Figure 1). Oweto shares boundary with the River Benue to the North, Utugolugwu village to the East, Olegada’Akolo village to the West and Ugba village to the South, all in Agatu Local Government Area. Figure 1: Oweto Community, Aguta Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria The relief is generally low-lying averaging 92 metres above sea level, while the geology of the area is basically composed of sedimentary rocks, with sandstones as the dominant rock type. This area is mainly cretaceous of fluvio-deltaic sediments with well – embedded sandstone which are of hydrological significance in terms of ground water yield and exploitation. (Ali, (2018, 2006; Uchua and Nduke, 2011; Ocheri, Ali and Eba, 2014; Ocheri and Onah, 2015). Oweto is situated completely on one side of the river and the Ajiba river flows into it and drains into the River Benue as tributary. Oweto has an average temperature of 27.9 0 C and a rainfall average of 1370mm (Moro and Onoja, 2006). Temperatures are high throughout the year with February and March occurring as the hottest months. Though the vegetation of the area is generally classified as the guinea savannah type with scattered woodland, shrubs and grasses, Oweto also has a riverine forest vegetation, a remarkable vegetation similar to that of a typical rain forest belt of Nigeria. This unique vegetation within the Savannah was home to buffaloes, elephants, gorillas and different species of monkeys. There was preponderance therefore of tall trees and luxuriant vegetation. b) Methods i. Sampling The study employed both direct field measurements and questionnaire for data collection on vulnerability factors and indicators. For the purpose of questionnaire administration, a total of 400 sample size Volume XXII Issue III Version I 38 ( ) Global Journal of Human Social Science - Year 2022 © 2022 Global Journals B Assessment Household Vulnerability to Flood Disaster: A Study of Oweto Community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria