Gendered impacts of 2022 floods on livelihoods and health vulnerability of rural communities in select Southern states in Nigeria

Abstract

AbstractBackground: Social factors, gender norms and roles as well as biological and physiological differences lead to gender gap in post-disaster vulnerabilities. This emphasizes the need to adopt vulnerability approach in disaster management.Objective:This study investigated the relationship between gender dynamics and the impact of the 2022 floods in Nigeria on the health and livelihoods of men and women in select Southern states.Methodology:The authors adopted a mixed-method approach. Survey was used to gather data from 383 persons affected by the floods; a content analysis was done on secondary data from Flood Rapid Needs Assessment of the selected states; and an in-depth interview was conducted on the flood-affected persons.Results:The norms and roles of female members in their homes and the wider communities exposed them to vulnerabilities during the floods. As a result, more females than males lost their lives, jobs, and sources of livelihood during the floods. The females suffered more health vulnerabilities during and after the floods, were more traumatized, fell more ill as a result of the trauma caused by the flood, and suffered more from poor sanitary conditions after (and as a result of) the floods.Conclusion:It was concluded that inequalities in exposure and sensitivity to risk along with differences in access to resources, opportunities, and capabilities systematically hinder the females and make them more vulnerable to the effects of floods in Nigeria.Contribution:There should be a gendered response to disasters in Nigeria, and disaster planners should address the different needs of men and women, boys and girls.