Climate change and erosion activities in Benin-Owena River Basin, S. W. Nigeria

Abstract

The impact of climate change on the incidence of soil erosion was examined in the Benin-Owena River Basin, Southwestern Nigeria. Climate change was indexed by rainfall and temperature. Information was obtained on these parameters from 1960-2010 for some selected stations in the basin. Similarly, data on erosion control measures were obtained in the basin from 1990-2010. The results obtained showed gradual increase in temperature, vis-à-vis a fluctuating trend in rainfall. Erosion control measures increased in the drainage basin due to the uncertainties observed in the climatic indices. Intensive sporadic rainfall and increasing temperatures occasioned intensified control measures adopted in the basin. It is concluded that climate change has impacted erosional activities in the basin. It is recommended that more structures should be developed to curb the menace of erosion in the basin.