ABSTRACT

The study determined the socio-economic impact of land degradation in Njaba area of lmo State. From evidence, there is no recent available phenomenon that has assumed such a wide ranging and awesome dimensions. To carry out the study, the area was divided into two: highly degraded area and lesser degraded area according to previous studies. The highly degraded areas are, Amucha, Okwudor and Umuaka communities while the lesser degraded areas include Atta, Nnenassa, Egwedu and Nkume. A total of 240 households were randomly selected from these communities for the study employing systematic sampling procedure. Structured questionnaires were administered on these households. Data obtained were analyzed using the t — test, and chi — square test statistics. Besides descriptive statistics such as means, percentages and frequency tables were also used. Furthermore, a focus group discussion format was employed for discussion with randomly selected retired! serving civil and public servants, traditional rulers, politicians. Each of the sampled six communities were represented by five people for the discussion meeting. Information obtained were used to corroborate and cross check data obtained using the questionnaire. The result determined the impact of land degradation on the basal and derived socio-economic factors examined in the area. The basal factors are those direct or first order effects on agric! farm lands, utilities, telecommunication facilities, x housing oil/gas pipelines, damage on natural systems and vitiation of psychic values (uncertainly, stress and fear) while derived impacts include loss of time, human/livestock injury, death, deposition of sediments, loss of wide life etc. These derived effects are the secondary or second order effect arising from the existence of a land degradation phenomenon. The result showed significant impact on the basal and derived socio-economic factors studied. There was also a significant vitiation of psychic values of the people. From the analysis and focus group discussion, we observed that low agricultural productivity, high crime rates and migration were some of the socioeconomic consequences of land degradation in the area. Again the focus group discussion concluded that not much could be done by the people in terms of degradation control considering the dimension of the degraded especially in the highly degraded areas . The present methods of using sand bags, consummating of water channels, planting of bamboo trees and building water catch pits must be complemented because of the magnitude of the environmental problem. It requires the attention of the federal government for a meaningful solution to be achieved. Finally, it can be concluded that for the degradation problem to be tackled effectively, aggressive mass campaign and awareness must be mounted in these communities. Also biological control must complement engineering constructions. A well organised and co-ordinated community participation and involvement must be implemented among other remedies highlighted. Government must use well trained and experienced erosion engineers and consultants in degradation contracts.