Factors Affecting the Application of Flood-Resilient Techniques in the Design and Construction of Buildings in Anambra East Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract: Flooding is one of the most devastating natural disasters in Nigeria, causing significant damage to lives, property, and infrastructure, particularly in riverine and low-lying areas. Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, situated within the lower Niger River Basin, has experienced recurrent severe flood disasters, notably in 2012 and 2022, which resulted in widespread submergence of homes, displacement of residents, and long-term socio-economic disruptions. This study investigated the factors affecting the application of flood-resilient techniques in the design and construction of buildings in the area, with the aim of providing context-specific recommendations for improving resilience. A survey research design was adopted, targeting homeowners and building professionals, including Architects, Builders, and Engineers (Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical) within Anambra State. A sample size of 398 homeowners and 310 building professionals was selected using systematic and random sampling techniques, respectively. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarise responses, while the Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to rank the factors influencing resilience. Findings revealed unanimous agreement among respondents on the significance of various factors in improving flood resilience. Access to early warning information systems ranked highest (RII = 0.76), followed by government support and flood education (RII = 0.74), and proper flood management, infrastructure development, and urban planning (RII = 0.73). Financial constraints, weak policy implementation, and inadequate spatial planning were also identified as key barriers. The study concludes that improving resilience requires an integrated approach involving governance, infrastructure, community engagement, and technology. Strengthening early warning information systems is recommended as the most critical priority to enable proactive response and minimise the impacts of flooding in Anambra East L.G.A. Keywords: Flooding, Building Resilience, Early Warning Systems, Flood-Resilient Techniques, Anambra East. Title: Factors Affecting the Application of Flood-Resilient Techniques in the Design and Construction of Buildings in Anambra East Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria Author: Obaze F.O., Ezeokoli F.O., Okoye N.M, Aloh K.U. International Journal of Novel Research in Civil Structural and Earth Sciences ISSN 2394-7357 Vol. 12, Issue 2, May 2025 - August 2025 Page No: 21-27 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 20-August-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16911098 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Factors%20Affecting%20the%20Application-20082025-2.pdf