Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State, located in southwestern Nigeria, is
highly susceptible to frequent, severe flooding, which poses significant risks to its
coastal and marine ecosystems. These are vital for the region’s blue economy, making protecting the area from floods crucial to sustaining these ecosystems and
resources, while ensuring food security, and promoting economic growth in vulnerable coastal communities. This study examines flood risk in Ilaje Local Government Area to develop sustainable strategies for ecosystem conservation. Using
satellite-derived data within a multicriteria decision-making framework, the analysis focused on ten key variables influencing flooding: land surface temperature,
elevation, stream power index, distance to stream, normalized difference vegetation
index, land use, land cover, slope, topographic wetness index, and rainfall. Quantitative methods were applied to categorize flood risk levels, ensuring validity by
integrating diverse datasets and analytical techniques. The findings reveal that
49.48% of the area is highly susceptible to flooding, 46.73% faces moderate risk,
and 3.79% is classified as low risk. These results highlight the urgent need for
targeted mitigation strategies to protect ecosystems and communities. By identifying areas most vulnerable to flooding, this research provides actionable insights for
policymakers and coastal planners, supporting sustainable practices for
safeguarding marine biodiversity and strengthening the blue economy. |
University of Cape Coast