WATER INFRASTRUCTURE TYPES FOR CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION
The current water infrastructure in Adamawa, which includes dams, boreholes, wells, overhead tanks, treatment plants, reservoirs, and levees, is outdated and lacks adequate capacity to manage the extremes of climate change effectively. Consequently, this study aims to identify and evaluate the most sustainable water infrastructure types for climate change mitigation along the River Benue floodplain of Yola. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, conducting field surveys for physical observation to document existing infrastructure, utilizing GIS mapping for spatial location and classification, analyzing aerial imagery (satellite images) to capture inaccessible areas, and holding interviews with stakeholders. These infrastructures were then assessed using Multi-Criteria Decision tools to determine their sustainability. The results show that dams ranked highest in sustainability (0.2590) due to their effectiveness in flood control and water storage, followed by boreholes (0.2298) for groundwater access, irrigation canals (0.2246) for improving agricultural productivity, and treatment plants (0.2182) for water supply management. The findings emphasize the need for an integrated water infrastructure strategy that includes energy-efficient irrigation systems, water pricing policies, afforestation, and community engagement to strengthen climate resilience and water security in the River Benue Valley. Furthermore, incorporating meteorological and hydrological data into adaptive water management practices is essential for long-term sustainability.
Authors : Gamaraja, A.D., Abba, A.H., Riji, B.B. and Mamtso, N.D.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 11(2) Date Uploaded : 31st December 2025