Governance Deficits and Flood-Induced Livelihood Vulnerability in Coastal Communities of Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa State (2013–2023)

Abstract

This research investigates Governance deficiencies and livelihood vulnerability induced by floods in coastal communities of Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa State (2013–2023) utilizing a descriptive mixed- methods approach. The study merges household surveys (n = 400), in-depth interviews, and field observations to evaluate the impact of institutional shortcomings on flood management and socio- economic conditions. The evaluation of data was conducted through descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression, while qualitative findings were thematically analyzed through a multi- level governance lens. The results highlight significant challenges in governance related to flood management. Findings indicate that drainage systems are generally insufficient, poorly maintained, and often blocked by waste, sediment, and improper construction practices, with an average perception rating of 1.87, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with maintenance efforts. Observations in the field further indicate that many communities lack operational drainage systems, functioning only partly during rain events. There is a lack of institutional cooperation, marked by disjointed communication among local, state, and emergency services, a lack of unified flood databases, and the sidelining of traditional entities in formal decision-making roles. Financial assessments show no established budget for floods, delayed funding disbursements, and insufficient technical resources and tools, with merely one overwhelmed disaster officer overseeing flood-related tasks. On the socio-economic front, 70.3% of households faced income declines surpassing one month, while 84.2% and 80.0% reported damage to agricultural land and fishing resources, respectively. A mere 21.8% of households managed to recover within three months, and 13.9% did not recover at all, signaling prolonged economic injury. Adaptive strategies included borrowing (49.2%), selling assets (37.4%), diminished food consumption (41.1%), and migration (25.8%), indicating adaptations made under duress. Health issues such as malaria, diarrhea, and psychological distress were common. Regression analysis affirms that institutional capacity has a substantial impact on recovery duration (p < 0.05), with enhanced funding (OR = 0.410), technical skills (OR = 0.567), and equipment accessibility (OR = 0.502) decreasing the chances of extended recovery. The research concludes that flooding incidents in Ogbia LGA are chiefly driven by governance failures, recommending the establishment of integrated flood governance frameworks, improved institutional resources, and dedicated funding strategies to boost resilience and support recovery of livelihoods.

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