Community-Based Flood Risk Adaptation Strategies in Mokola, Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

The case of flooding is a constant occurrence in most developing economies, such as Nigeria, regarding environmental risk. In Mokola, Ibadan, the top-down approach of flood risk assessment has been a major occurrence, which does not take into consideration the local spatial knowledge, therefore resulting in poor adaptation strategies. The mixed-method cross-sectional design was adopted, which used quantitative surveys. The study population comprised 18500 residents, while a sample of 300 residents was selected through a stratified random sampling method. Structured questionnaires and participatory mapping exercises were used to gather data, which were supported by institutional sources of rainfall data and spatial data. Valid responses were obtained after screening and analyzed with Descriptive statistics, multiple regression, and one-way ANOVA in SPSS to produce flood susceptibility with spatial data. Results showed that 85% of residents had reported flooding, and involvement in mapping was associated with a significant increase in awareness and adaptive behaviour (R² = 0.58, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the level of adaptation responses was different in the zones of elevation, with the Mokola residents in lower elevations exhibiting higher levels of preparations (F = 5.47, p < 0.01). The findings confirm that participatory mapping enhances local resilience through the development of knowledge and spatial awareness of flood risks. It is concluded in the study that community-based adaptation is a diagnostic, as well as a behavioural, catalyst, and is the key to bridging the gap between scientific assessment and living experience. It advises flood management agencies to incorporate community mapping in normal planning and adaptation interventions to create zone-specific risk profiles so as to have fair and sustainable flood governance