Land Use Planning As An Adaptation Strategy For Combatting Climate Change Risks And Vulnerabilities In Awka Capital Territory (ACT)

Abstract

Climate change has become the most significant worry of the globe today. Although an appreciable level of knowledge has been available concerning its causes, risks and vulnerabilities, there is the problem, especially in the developing countries of the world, of effectively confronting strategies to mitigate the severity of its consequences or even their prevention. Problems abound with adaptation to its associated disasters, especially in settled areas. This paper addresses this by looking at how effective land use planning in Awka Capital Territory of Anambra State, which suffers from annual flooding caused by its topographic features, population growth, improper urban land use planning, deforestation and rapid land cover changes, misuse of wetlands, poor road development and poor urban governance practice can help to mitigate the consequences of flooding and help people adapt to it when it occurs. Against the current unsustainable land use planning practice, recommendations were made as to the critical issues that should be considered to achieve sustainable mitigation and adaptation to flooding in the Territory.