Impact of Flood on Female Headed Households in Nkumoro Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Flooding since 2012 is becoming increasingly severe and frequent in Nigeria. Flood disasters are
major threats to human beings as they reverse major developmental processes in any area affected,
hampering socio/economic activities especially among the Female Headed Households as they are
more prone and vulnerable to flood impacts. Flood disaster mitigation in Female Headed Households
needs to address socio-economic issues and coping strategies. This paper seeks to review impact of
2016 flood on Female Headed Households in Nkumoro, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State,
Nigeria which is one of the worst hit areas by flood. Social media, personal observations, structural
questionnaires and interviews were the sources of information. The result revealed that the major
livelihood of sampled Female Headed Households were farming, fishing and trading. These women
had their crops damaged and were unable to fish during the flooding period, thus increasing propensity
for food insecurity for their households. Their sources of income were significantly affected as the
income source is the nexus of their livelihood which when absent increases their vulnerability. There is
a dire need for the Female Headed Households to be given priority in terms of aid provision to
enhance their livelihood.