Assessing Nature-Based Flood Mitigation Measures at the General Area of the Confluence of Rivers Benue and Niger in Kogi State, Nigeria

Idris Halima Ohunene; Taiye Oluwafemi Adewuyi; Aliyu Dadan Garba; Cheikh Mbow; Ganiyu Agbaje; Oladosu Olakunle Rufus; Olaide Monsor

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12

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Assessing Nature-Based Flood Mitigation Measures at the General Area of the Confluence of Rivers Benue and Niger in Kogi State, Nigeria

Idris Halima Ohunene^*

, Taiye Oluwafemi Adewuyi

, Aliyu Dadan Garba, Cheikh Mbow

, Ganiyu Agbaje

, Oladosu Olakunle Rufus

, Olaide Monsor

Published in American Journal of Remote Sensing (Volume 13, Issue 1)

Received: 13 April 2025 Accepted: 23 April 2025 Published: 26 May 2025

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Abstract

Flooding in the confluence area of Rivers Benue and Niger remains a major environ-mental and socio-economic challenge which disrupts livelihoods, damages infrastructures and increase vulnerabilities in affected communities. The existing flood management in Nigeria relies on conventional engineering solutions, with limited to no consideration of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). While NBS have been explored in other regions, their applicability to this area remains under-researched. This study assessed the potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for mitigating flood risks in this region through the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and hydrological modeling. Landsat imagery (2012-2023), Digital Elevation Models (DEM), soil, and climate datasets were utilized alongside HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS models, and Google Earth Engine (GEE) for flood extent analysis. Results showed peak flood coverage in 2018 (172.68 km²), followed by a decline to 99.12 km² in 2023. Flooding trends were attributed to increased rainfall variability, land-use changes, and inadequate drainage infrastructure. A suitability analysis for NBS implementation identified areas appropriate for wetland restoration, afforestation, and sustainable drainage systems. The study highlights the potential of integrated NBS and engineered measures in enhancing long-term flood resilience.

Published in	American Journal of Remote Sensing (Volume 13, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12
Page(s)	13-31
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Flood Mitigation, Nature-Based Solutions, Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, River Niger, River Benue, Kogi

References

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APA Style

Ohunene, I. H., Adewuyi, T. O., Garba, A. D., Mbow, C., Agbaje, G., et al. (2025). Assessing Nature-Based Flood Mitigation Measures at the General Area of the Confluence of Rivers Benue and Niger in Kogi State, Nigeria. American Journal of Remote Sensing, 13(1), 13-31. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12

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ACS Style

Ohunene, I. H.; Adewuyi, T. O.; Garba, A. D.; Mbow, C.; Agbaje, G., et al. Assessing Nature-Based Flood Mitigation Measures at the General Area of the Confluence of Rivers Benue and Niger in Kogi State, Nigeria. Am. J. Remote Sens. 2025, 13(1), 13-31. doi: 10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12

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AMA Style

Ohunene IH, Adewuyi TO, Garba AD, Mbow C, Agbaje G, et al. Assessing Nature-Based Flood Mitigation Measures at the General Area of the Confluence of Rivers Benue and Niger in Kogi State, Nigeria. Am J Remote Sens. 2025;13(1):13-31. doi: 10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12

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@article{10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12,
  author = {Idris Halima Ohunene and Taiye Oluwafemi Adewuyi and Aliyu Dadan Garba and Cheikh Mbow and Ganiyu Agbaje and Oladosu Olakunle Rufus and Olaide Monsor},
  title = {Assessing Nature-Based Flood Mitigation Measures at the General Area of the Confluence of Rivers Benue and Niger in Kogi State, Nigeria
},
  journal = {American Journal of Remote Sensing},
  volume = {13},
  number = {1},
  pages = {13-31},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajrs.20251301.12},
  abstract = {Flooding in the confluence area of Rivers Benue and Niger remains a major environ-mental and socio-economic challenge which disrupts livelihoods, damages infrastructures and increase vulnerabilities in affected communities. The existing flood management in Nigeria relies on conventional engineering solutions, with limited to no consideration of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). While NBS have been explored in other regions, their applicability to this area remains under-researched. This study assessed the potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for mitigating flood risks in this region through the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and hydrological modeling. Landsat imagery (2012-2023), Digital Elevation Models (DEM), soil, and climate datasets were utilized alongside HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS models, and Google Earth Engine (GEE) for flood extent analysis. Results showed peak flood coverage in 2018 (172.68 km²), followed by a decline to 99.12 km² in 2023. Flooding trends were attributed to increased rainfall variability, land-use changes, and inadequate drainage infrastructure. A suitability analysis for NBS implementation identified areas appropriate for wetland restoration, afforestation, and sustainable drainage systems. The study highlights the potential of integrated NBS and engineered measures in enhancing long-term flood resilience.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Assessing Nature-Based Flood Mitigation Measures at the General Area of the Confluence of Rivers Benue and Niger in Kogi State, Nigeria

AU  - Idris Halima Ohunene
AU  - Taiye Oluwafemi Adewuyi
AU  - Aliyu Dadan Garba
AU  - Cheikh Mbow
AU  - Ganiyu Agbaje
AU  - Oladosu Olakunle Rufus
AU  - Olaide Monsor
Y1  - 2025/05/26
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12
T2  - American Journal of Remote Sensing
JF  - American Journal of Remote Sensing
JO  - American Journal of Remote Sensing
SP  - 13
EP  - 31
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-580X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12
AB  - Flooding in the confluence area of Rivers Benue and Niger remains a major environ-mental and socio-economic challenge which disrupts livelihoods, damages infrastructures and increase vulnerabilities in affected communities. The existing flood management in Nigeria relies on conventional engineering solutions, with limited to no consideration of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). While NBS have been explored in other regions, their applicability to this area remains under-researched. This study assessed the potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for mitigating flood risks in this region through the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and hydrological modeling. Landsat imagery (2012-2023), Digital Elevation Models (DEM), soil, and climate datasets were utilized alongside HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS models, and Google Earth Engine (GEE) for flood extent analysis. Results showed peak flood coverage in 2018 (172.68 km²), followed by a decline to 99.12 km² in 2023. Flooding trends were attributed to increased rainfall variability, land-use changes, and inadequate drainage infrastructure. A suitability analysis for NBS implementation identified areas appropriate for wetland restoration, afforestation, and sustainable drainage systems. The study highlights the potential of integrated NBS and engineered measures in enhancing long-term flood resilience.

VL  - 13
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Idris Halima Ohunene

Department of Geography, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0009-3434-5086
Taiye Oluwafemi Adewuyi

Department of Geography, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7234-9090
Aliyu Dadan Garba

Department of Geography, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Contact Email
Cheikh Mbow

Centre de Suivi Écologique (CSE), Rue Léon Gontran Damas, Fann Résidence, Dakar, Senegal

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4620-4490
Ganiyu Agbaje

National Space Research and Development Agency, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9960-3554
Oladosu Olakunle Rufus

National Space Research and Development Agency, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-6444-3091
Olaide Monsor

Space for Humanity Foundation (SHF), Gestion Durable des Zones Humides et des Inondations en Afrique de l'Ouest (GDZHAIO)

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6805-5580

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Ohunene, I. H., Adewuyi, T. O., Garba, A. D., Mbow, C., Agbaje, G., et al. (2025). Assessing Nature-Based Flood Mitigation Measures at the General Area of the Confluence of Rivers Benue and Niger in Kogi State, Nigeria. American Journal of Remote Sensing, 13(1), 13-31. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12

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ACS Style

Ohunene, I. H.; Adewuyi, T. O.; Garba, A. D.; Mbow, C.; Agbaje, G., et al. Assessing Nature-Based Flood Mitigation Measures at the General Area of the Confluence of Rivers Benue and Niger in Kogi State, Nigeria. Am. J. Remote Sens. 2025, 13(1), 13-31. doi: 10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12

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AMA Style

Ohunene IH, Adewuyi TO, Garba AD, Mbow C, Agbaje G, et al. Assessing Nature-Based Flood Mitigation Measures at the General Area of the Confluence of Rivers Benue and Niger in Kogi State, Nigeria. Am J Remote Sens. 2025;13(1):13-31. doi: 10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12,
  author = {Idris Halima Ohunene and Taiye Oluwafemi Adewuyi and Aliyu Dadan Garba and Cheikh Mbow and Ganiyu Agbaje and Oladosu Olakunle Rufus and Olaide Monsor},
  title = {Assessing Nature-Based Flood Mitigation Measures at the General Area of the Confluence of Rivers Benue and Niger in Kogi State, Nigeria
},
  journal = {American Journal of Remote Sensing},
  volume = {13},
  number = {1},
  pages = {13-31},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajrs.20251301.12},
  abstract = {Flooding in the confluence area of Rivers Benue and Niger remains a major environ-mental and socio-economic challenge which disrupts livelihoods, damages infrastructures and increase vulnerabilities in affected communities. The existing flood management in Nigeria relies on conventional engineering solutions, with limited to no consideration of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). While NBS have been explored in other regions, their applicability to this area remains under-researched. This study assessed the potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for mitigating flood risks in this region through the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and hydrological modeling. Landsat imagery (2012-2023), Digital Elevation Models (DEM), soil, and climate datasets were utilized alongside HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS models, and Google Earth Engine (GEE) for flood extent analysis. Results showed peak flood coverage in 2018 (172.68 km²), followed by a decline to 99.12 km² in 2023. Flooding trends were attributed to increased rainfall variability, land-use changes, and inadequate drainage infrastructure. A suitability analysis for NBS implementation identified areas appropriate for wetland restoration, afforestation, and sustainable drainage systems. The study highlights the potential of integrated NBS and engineered measures in enhancing long-term flood resilience.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Assessing Nature-Based Flood Mitigation Measures at the General Area of the Confluence of Rivers Benue and Niger in Kogi State, Nigeria

AU  - Idris Halima Ohunene
AU  - Taiye Oluwafemi Adewuyi
AU  - Aliyu Dadan Garba
AU  - Cheikh Mbow
AU  - Ganiyu Agbaje
AU  - Oladosu Olakunle Rufus
AU  - Olaide Monsor
Y1  - 2025/05/26
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12
T2  - American Journal of Remote Sensing
JF  - American Journal of Remote Sensing
JO  - American Journal of Remote Sensing
SP  - 13
EP  - 31
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-580X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajrs.20251301.12
AB  - Flooding in the confluence area of Rivers Benue and Niger remains a major environ-mental and socio-economic challenge which disrupts livelihoods, damages infrastructures and increase vulnerabilities in affected communities. The existing flood management in Nigeria relies on conventional engineering solutions, with limited to no consideration of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). While NBS have been explored in other regions, their applicability to this area remains under-researched. This study assessed the potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for mitigating flood risks in this region through the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and hydrological modeling. Landsat imagery (2012-2023), Digital Elevation Models (DEM), soil, and climate datasets were utilized alongside HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS models, and Google Earth Engine (GEE) for flood extent analysis. Results showed peak flood coverage in 2018 (172.68 km²), followed by a decline to 99.12 km² in 2023. Flooding trends were attributed to increased rainfall variability, land-use changes, and inadequate drainage infrastructure. A suitability analysis for NBS implementation identified areas appropriate for wetland restoration, afforestation, and sustainable drainage systems. The study highlights the potential of integrated NBS and engineered measures in enhancing long-term flood resilience.

VL  - 13
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download