By Attama, Augustine O.
This study examined the flood disaster and human resource development in Nigeria from 2011 – 2012 using Uzo-Uwani Local Government as a study area. The study contended that many individuals, families and communities in Nigeria have suffered colossal lost both human lives and properties/valuable materials owing to the unexpected natural hazards especially the flood that ravaged some parts of Nigeria in which some parts of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area were mostly affected. However, efforts are usually put forward to help victims of hazards and to prevent future occurrence of hazards. In other words, both governmental and non-governmental organizations have rendered some kinds of assistance to victims of disasters in Nigeria. But the provision of relief assistance by the disaster management agencies in Nigeria is still not effective. This has great consequences on the human resource development in Nigeria especially in rural communities like in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area. Therefore the broad objective of this study is to undertake empirical investigation in the influence of flood disaster on human resource development in Nigeria. In more specific terms, this study intends to achieve the following: to find out the recommendations made towards solving the problems of flood disaster which affect human resource development in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area; to examine of the government on drainage system increase flood disaster to the detriment of human resource development in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area; to ascertain the major challenges facing the management of flood disaster as it relates to human resource development in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area; and to suggest measures towards reducing occurrence and management of flood disasters as well as improving human resource development in such situation. The data used in this study was collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary methods/sources were research instrument (questionnaire) which we complemented with the available information on the secondary sources of data. Some research questions were asked as a guide to the respondents. The questionnaire contained (eighteen questions) structured questions designed in both open and close ended style. In addition, the questionnaire was validated and administered accordingly. Secondary sources of data collection on the other hand, included textbooks, journal, government documents and internet materials. The study adopted tables, histogram tables, and descriptive method for data analysis. The data analysis revealed that: flood disaster has enormous consequences on human resource development and management of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area especially in areas of education, health and sanitation, agriculture and farming, trading and commerce, among others. The study recommended that government should be proactive in protecting the flood prong areas by reviewing all the environmental protection policies and establish make the flood management agencies more effective. It is also recommended that evacuation of people in the flood prong areas and their resettlement in the none-flood areas is paramount in order to save human lives.