Relevance of Social Vulnerability Assessment to Flood Risk Reduction in the Lagos Metropolis of Nigeria
Nkwunonwo Ugonna C. *
Department of Geoinformatics and Surveying, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria and School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
Whitworth Malcolm
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK.
Baily Brian
Department of Geography, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Vulnerability which is a factor of concern within the context of disaster risk reduction is considered in this study. The widespread flooding which impacts massively on urban residents in the Lagos metropolis of Nigeria highlights the prevailing needs to explore the lack of social capacities of people exposed to the hazard. Social vulnerability, defined by place and social inequalities is a critical concept in this regard and its assessment underpins best practices in flood risk reduction. However, such a concept has been poorly investigated in the Lagos area most likely due to lack of knowledge about its relevance. The present study addresses this gap through critical discussions regarding social vulnerability and its assessment in relation to addressing the challenges of flooding in Lagos, Nigeria. The roles social vulnerability assessment can play in view of flood risk reduction within the context of the study area are considered along with relevant factors that influence social vulnerabilities in the area. The study concludes with some recommendations that key stake holders will find quite desirable towards flood risk reduction in the area.
Keywords: Vulnerability, social vulnerability, social vulnerability assessment, flooding, Social capacity, flood risk reduction, Lagos metropolis of Nigeria