Farmers in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State are reeling from the aftermath of severe flooding that has submerged their farms and destroyed crops, leaving many in financial distress.
The flood, which occurred during the rainy season, has caused widespread devastation in the region, known for its proximity to the River Niger. This year’s flooding has been particularly destructive, with the affected areas including Ossomala, Obeagwe, Akili Ogidi, Ogwuikpele, and Ogwuaniocha.
The community, which largely depends on farming for livelihood, has seen the collapse of its agricultural activities, with residents expressing frustration over the massive losses they have incurred. Many had taken loans to fund this year’s planting season, but their crops have been washed away by the floodwaters.
Hon Chinedu Uwollor, Chief of Staff to Hon Afam Ogene, the representative for the area in the House of Representatives, led a tour of the affected regions to assess the damage. During the tour, he acknowledged the severity of the situation, noting that this year’s flood has caused unprecedented hardship for the residents.
“This flood has left many farmers in despair. Some of them took loans to invest in this year’s crops, only to see everything washed away,” said Hon Uwollor. “It is a major setback for them, and we urgently need government intervention to provide support for these farmers.”
Among the many farmers affected, Adimali Nwachukwu, a yam and cassava farmer from Ogwuikpele, shared the financial strain he is facing. He spoke about borrowing money to invest in large-scale farming, hoping for a good harvest to repay his loans. However, the flood has left him with little to salvage from his crops.
“The flood has ruined my farm,” Nwachukwu said. “I had hoped to recover my investment and pay back my loans, but now I don’t even know if I’ll make back a quarter of what I spent. The damage is devastating.”
For Nwakaego Nwafili, a widow and maize and cassava farmer, the flood has compounded her challenges. She explained that the threat of flooding had been weighing heavily on her mind since July, and now her worst fears have come true. Nwafili, who relies on her farm to support her three children, has been forced to harvest her crops prematurely due to the flooding.
“My crops are completely submerged,” she said, visibly distressed. “I can’t afford to hire help, so I’m doing the work on my own. I feel like I’m losing everything, and I don’t know how I will get by.”
Another resident, Madam Oluchi Nzekwe, expressed concern about her husband’s health, which has deteriorated since the flood began. The flooding has not only affected their livelihoods but also their well-being.
Hon Uwollor has called on the federal government and relevant agencies to extend immediate assistance to the affected farmers, noting that the impact of the flood is long-lasting.
“Farmers in Ogbaru have been through this before, but this year’s flood is by far the most severe,” he remarked. “The government must act swiftly to support these families, as many are facing serious losses.”
