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Abstract
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Article Information:
Adapting Agriculture to Seasonal Floods in the Aya River Basin, Southeastern Nigeria
Pius B. Utang and Imoh J. Ekpoh
Corresponding Author: Pius B. Utang
Submitted: 2011 April, 23
Accepted: 2011 July, 02
Published: 2011 July, 20 |
Abstract:
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The study determined the pattern of seasonal floods and highlighted the adaptation practices of the
floodplain communities for sustainable agriculture. Historical data on water level and corresponding rainfall
during the months of June to October were collected from records, while field observations were carried out
to determine the inundation levels. Indigenous coping strategies were identified through semi-structured
interviews. Three types of peak water levels were identified, with low peaks more common, followed by
moderate peaks, while very high peaks were rare. Majority of the seasonal floods were in the months of
September and October, during full maturity of the crops cultivated in the floodplains and harvest is awaited.
Early peaks (between June and July) were few and recognized as being mostly flashy. Rainfall-runoff
relationship was weak, albeit significant, even as the peak pattern did not graphically synchronize rainfall. This
confirmed that most of the peaks were as a result antecedent rains or rains from the headwater zones. The
generally consistent concentrations of low to moderate flows were useful for the flood recessional cultivation.
The high flows (>/= 5m) were generally considered to be flashy and harmful to the farmers, particularly early
plantings. Due to the uncertainty and rarity of high peaks, flood recession agricultural practices remained the
only adaptation option available to the local communities. Watershed management was recommended to sustain
existing regime, while artificial irrigation as patchily practiced should be intensified as additional impetus for
sustainable agriculture and food security.
Key words: Adaptation, complementary resource, flash flood, flood recession, food security, peak flow, sustainable agriculture
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Cite this Reference:
Pius B. Utang and Imoh J. Ekpoh, . Adapting Agriculture to Seasonal Floods in the Aya River Basin, Southeastern Nigeria. Asian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, (4): 352-358.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-3890
ISSN (Print): 2041-3882 |
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