Analysis of Relief Materials Distribution Based on Road Network Connectivity in the North East Nigeria

Abstract

The connectivity of roads networks plays an important role in ensuring quick delivery of relief materials to the affected population and improves the satisfaction rate. However, unconnected transportation network increases the distances at which relief materials traveled to reach disaster victims. This study analysed relief materials distribution based on road network connectivity in the North East Nigeria. Google map analysis was done on road network using geographical images that actually represent series of vertices (nodes) and set of edges (links). The degree of network connectivity in the North East was done by counting the numbers of nodes and links in the google map. Gamma index was used to calculate the level of the connectivity leading to the identified IDP camps. The result of road network connectivity over which relief materials were been transported to various IDP camps in the zone showed that only the routes from Bauchi to Rindibin Camp and Maiduguri to Biu Camp reflect an average degree of connectivity, while the others show a poor level of network connectivity. Therefore, the study recommended that NEMA should be proactive in its planning to deliver relief materials to the designated location by evaluating several alternative links and utilising various tactics by consulting transportation service providers and other public and private organisations that can help with humanitarian efforts. Lastly, Government should also adopt the use of cashless policy while providing aids instead of distribution of food and material items.