2026 Vol-6 Issue-1 | ASSESSING FARMERS' FLOOD PREPAREDNESS AND RISK MITIGATION STRATEGIES IN KADUNA SOUTH, NIGERIA: A SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

This study examines risk mitigation techniques and flood readiness among smallholder farmers in Nigeria's Kaduna South Local Government Area (LGA). The socio-economic, behavioural, and environmental aspects affecting farmers' readiness and adaptability were evaluated using a mixed-methods approach. 143 farmers in flood-prone areas were interviewed and given standardised questionnaires to complete in order to gather primary data. To assess preparation indicators and mitigating trends, GIS-based land use analysis was utilised in conjunction with descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicate that flooding occurs frequently and worsens, with a third of respondents reporting crop losses exceeding 50%. The level of preparedness was moderate (Flood Preparedness Index= 0.52), and institutional, technical, and financial obstacles limited its implementation. Gender differences further restricted access to early warning systems, training, and credit. Analysis of land-use change revealed that croplands were shrinking and built-up areas were expanding, thereby increasing the risk of flooding. The results underscore the need for technology-enabled, gender-sensitive, and community-driven approaches to enhance agricultural flood resilience. Policy recommendations include encouraging climate resilient agriculture, growing mobile-based early warning systems, and fortifying regional disaster management frameworks.