Assessing the Socio-Economic Impacts of Gully Erosion on Farming Activities in Northern Adamawa State, Nigeria

Author(s)

Ezekiel Alhassaan¹, Ibrahim Saidu² , Alfred D. Mshelia² and Yohanna Peter²; ¹Mubi North Local Government Secretariat, Adamawa State; ²Department of Geography Adamawa State University, Mubi

Abstract

Gully erosion is a significant environmental challenge in Northern Adamawa State, Nigeria, with profound socio-economic impacts on farming activities. This study assesses the extent and effects of gully erosion on the local farming communities. Using a combination of field observations, transect walks, and questionnaire surveys, data were collected from 400 farmers, with a 72.5% response rate. The study reveals that 94.2% of the respondents are aware of gully erosion in their areas, and 76.7% recognize its threat to their farmlands and residences. The results indicate that 33.3% of farmers have lost farmland, 20% have experienced soil quality degradation, and 12.5% have faced increased crop transportation costs due to gully erosion. The findings underscore the urgent need for intervention to mitigate the adverse effects of gully erosion on agricultural productivity and community livelihoods.

Keywords

gully erosion; socio-economic impacts; farming activities; soil degradation

Cite this paper

Alhassaan, E., Saidu, I., Mshelia, A. D., Peter, Y. (2024), Assessing the Socio-Economic Impacts of Gully Erosion on Farming Activities in Northern Adamawa State, Nigeria, IRESPUB Journal of Environmental & Material Sciences. Volume 3, Issue 3, May – Jun 2024, Page 17-26

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