Impact of Flooding on Fish Farm Infrastructure in Edo State

This study assessed the impact of seasonal and flash flooding events on fish farm infrastructure in Edo State, South South Nigeria, where aquaculture has grown considerably in recent years. Flooding represents an acute and recurring threat to investments in pond construction, equipment, broodstock, and harvested produce for fish farmers in flood-prone zones. Data were collected through structured interviews and farm-level surveys administered to 95 fish farmers who experienced flooding in the 2022 and 2023 rainy seasons. Parameters assessed included types of damage sustained, estimated financial losses, insurance coverage, and recovery strategies adopted. Results showed that 71 percent of affected farmers reported total pond inundation, leading to mass fish escapes and mortality. Infrastructure damage, including dyke failure, pump damage, and feed storage loss, was reported by 84 percent of respondents. Average estimated financial loss per affected farm was 1.2 million naira, with small-scale farmers disproportionately affected. Only 6 percent of respondents had any form of agricultural insurance covering flood losses. Recovery was largely self-funded, with 55 percent of farmers borrowing from informal lenders at high interest rates. Adoption of flood-resilient pond designs such as raised dykes and overflow structures was minimal. The study recommends that fisheries extension services integrate flood risk management training, promote affordable insurance products, and support the adoption of structurally resilient pond designs in flood-exposed areas of Edo State. Keywords: flooding, aquaculture infrastructure, fish farm losses, flood risk, Edo State