Characteristics and Socio Economic Activities of Local Communities Living Along the Nguru Wetlands, Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract:The study was conducted to assess the characteristics and socio economic activities of the local communities living along Nguru wetlands of Yobe state, Nigeria. Three towns situated along the wetlands namely Nguru, Kakori and Dogon Kuka all in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe state, Nigeria were selected for the study. A total of 197 respondents from among the local communities participated in the study. Descriptive Survey method of research involving mixed methods was employed. Data collected was analyzed in SPSS using Descriptive Statistics. The study revealed that all of the respondents (100%) were Nigerian citizens with majority of whom (48.22%) lacking the basic western education. Male constituted 85.78% while women were only 14.21% of the study population. All respondents were found to be muslim faithful. Household sizes were relatively big (57.36%) and considerable number of the respondents was married young adults within the range of 25 -34 years. It was also discovered that majority of the respondents (30.46%) belong to the Kanuri tribe while Hausa, Fulani, Kare Kare and Bade tribes were represented as (26.40%), (26.90%), (8.12%) and (8.12%) respectively. Yobe state had the largest number of its indigenes (55.84%) living along the wetlands followed by Jigawa and Bauchi states having (29.95%) and (9.64%) respectively. Very good number of the respondents was engaged in fishing (26.40%) followed by crop farming (19.29%). Others were engaged in livestock farming, irrigation, transportation and hunting represented by (21.83%), (5.58%), (3.05%), and (1.52%) respectively while those engaged in trading, potash collection and Typha clearance were represented by (9.14%), (4.06%) and (3.55%) respectively. No tourists guide was found. Crops grown along the Nguru wetlands are maize (Zea mays) which is the most commonly grown crop followed by rice (Oryza sativa) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). Many farmers also grow beniseeds or seasame (Sesamum indicum), cassava (Manihot esculenta), corn (Zea mays) and beans Page | 20225 (Phaseolus vulgaris). Livestock commonly reared are cows (Bos taurus), goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries).However, all economic activities along the wetlands are seriously threatened by Typha invasion of the wetlands hence, government and other NGOs should employ effective control measures against this invasion in order to resuscitate the gradually perishing economic value of the Nguru wetlands.

Hydro-Physical Properties of Soils under Different Land Uses in Northeastern Nigeria

“…The area supports irrigated farming, fisheries and animal husbandry. Arable farms are intensively cultivated for staple food crops such as millet, sorghum, rice, cowpea and sesame (Babagana et al, 2018;Ogunkoya and Dami, 2007).…”

Spatio-temporal analysis of land use and land cover changes in Nguru Wetland, Yobe State, Nigeria

“…Human and human-induced activities are altering and reducing wetland ecosystems at an alarming rate around the world. These are occurring at the expense of wetland hydrology and biodiversity, and Hadejia-Nguru is no exception [2]. The constant demand for additional shelter, food, fuel, charcoal, lumber, soil, industries, clean water, and services has severely degraded the natural vegetation ecology [3].…”