ABSTRACT:

Smallholder farmers in numerous regions of Nigeria are disproportionately impacted by seasonal flooding. This mixed-methods study investigated flood awareness, readiness, and mitigation options among smallholder farmers in the Kaduna North Local Government Area (LGA), Nigeria. It examined the interaction between indigenous behaviours and institutional mechanisms in shaping resilience. Data were gathered from 135 farmers through structured questionnaires, focus group talks, and key informant interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics (t-tests) were employed, along with theme analysis of qualitative data. Research reveals a moderate awareness of flood threats and early warning systems. However, preparedness levels are low to moderate, with women exhibiting a greater propensity to implement adaptive cropping and timing techniques. Significant obstacles to effective mitigation were elevated prices, insufficient governmental backing, and restricted availability of materials and dependable early warning systems. Farmers’ proposals emphasised the importance of community education, improving drainage systems, undertaking small-scale earthworks, and incorporating indigenous indicators into official Early Warning Systems (EWS). The results correspond with findings from Kaduna Metropolis and various other Nigerian contexts, reflecting international evidence that community-based strategies, coupled with effective early warning systems, are essential for the resilience of smallholders. We advocate for a comprehensive, gender-sensitive community-based disaster risk management plan that incorporates indigenous knowledge, contextually suitable structural interventions, and enhanced institutional early warning systems and financial mechanisms.