EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF 2022 FLOODING ON RICE PRODUCTION

This study investigates the effect of the 2022 flooding on rice production in the floodplain of Buruku town. The 2022 flooding in Nigeria had a profound impact on agricultural production, particularly rice cultivation, which is a staple food and significant cash crop for many communities. Buruku Town, located in Benue State, serves as a critical area for rice farming and local food security. According to result gathered from 250 respondents, the floods resulted from heavy rainfall and poor drainage systems, leading to widespread inundation of farmlands. Rice fields were submerged, causing immediate loss of crops that were either at planting or harvesting stages. Preliminary assessments indicated that approximately 60% of the rice farms were affected, leading to substantial economic losses for farmers who depend on this crop for their livelihoods. The study concludes that proper drainage systems should be created to curtail the effect of flood in the future.