Ecosystem destruction and disaster risk incubation- A case of wetland loss and flood disasters in Makurdi town of Nigeria

Disaster risk is incubated through series of events that shape and reshape hazards and vulnerability. The gradual destruction of a diversity of ecosystems leading to the depletion of ecosystem services is an incubation period for many disasters as the case of Makurdi wetlands and flood disasters. Makurdi wetlands have been destroyed with only a few remaining according to a recent thirty-year study. This suggests the loss of very important ecosystem services that they provide including defense against surging flood waters. In the corresponding period, increased flood disaster incidences have been reported in Makurdi with a corresponding increase in size and intensity of devastating impact on the populations. Surprisingly surveys carried out in Makurdi on the causes of flood demonstrate a very limited knowledge on the significance of wetlands in the management of flood disasters. The ability of ecosystems to continue to provide ecosystem services require deliberate management action t...