GEOSPATIAL

Flooding remains one of the most devastating environmental hazards in Nigeria, with severe impacts on lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Etsako West Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State is particularly vulnerable due to its low-lying terrain, proximity to rivers, and recurring seasonal rainfall. This study applied Geospatial Information System (GIS) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process(AHP) to assess and map flood vulnerability across the LGA. Key geospatial and socioenvironmental indicators including elevation, slope, land use/land cover, distance to rivers,soil type, and population density, were integrated and weighted to generate a composite Flood Vulnerability Index. The resulting map classified the area into four risk categories: very high, high, moderate, and low. Findings revealed that very high-risk zones, occupying about 22% of the land area, are concentrated in riverine communities such as Anegbette, Udaba, and Osomegbe, while high-risk areas (33%) extend across Aviele and Iyakpi. Moderate- and low-risk zones accounted for 27% and 18% respectively, with upland towns like Auchi and Jattu benefiting from higher elevation and better drainage. Notably, nearly two-thirds of the population reside within high or very high vulnerability zones, underscoring the human dimension of flood risk. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of GIS-based multi-criteria analysis for local-scale flood assessment and provides an evidence-based tool to support disaster preparedness, land-use planning, and sustainable development in Etsako West and similar flood-prone regions of Nigeria

Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, yet significant disparities persist in many regions, particularly in Nigeria and across Africa. These disparities are often influenced by race, ethnicity, and age, with underserved populations facing considerable barriers to receiving quality healthcare. This project focuses on geospatial analysis as a tool to assess and address healthcare access inequities. By leveraging geospatial technologies, this study seeks to map healthcare facilities, analyze spatial patterns of accessibility, and evaluate disparities in healthcare availability across diverse demographic groups. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and publicly available data on healthcare infrastructure, population demographics, and socioeconomic indicators, the project identifies regions with inadequate healthcare coverage. Key variables, including proximity to healthcare facilities, density of healthcare providers, and transportation infrastructure, are analyzed in relation to demographic data such as race, ethnicity, and age distribution. Special attention is given to rural and peri-urban areas where healthcare infrastructure is typically sparse. This study also integrates statistical models to quantify disparities, providing actionable insights into how race and ethnicity intersect with geographic location to impact access to essential health services. In regions like Nigeria, where the healthcare system faces significant challenges, the project explores how these disparities disproportionately affect vulnerable populations such as ethnic minorities, elderly citizens, and children. The findings are expected to highlight areas of acute need, where targeted policy interventions could have the greatest impact. Moreover, the geospatial approach offers a data-driven framework for decision-makers, empowering them to allocate resources more effectively and design strategies to bridge healthcare gaps.