Overview of the Anthropogenic Causes of Soil Erosion in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria

Ajayi A S ,Ibrahim Rasheed ,Seghosime Sule

doi:10.7176/jees/9-8-02

Abstract

The incidence of gully erosion in Auchi, Edo State has assumed alarming proportions thereby gaining national recognition as an ecological disaster zone. The aim of this paper is therefore to examine some of the human causes of this menace and its impact on the population of the area and coping strategies adopted by individuals, community and the government. From field survey and observation, some of the anthropogenic causes found were: Dumping of refuse in water channels and drainages, Excavation of soil for building and other purposes, Poor siting of fences, Deforestation, Bush burning, Building and road Construction factors and Erection of residential structures without drainage and some of the possible control measures are: Environmental education, Environmental surveillance, the use of Vegetation and proper Solid waste management. Keywords: Soil erosion, Anthropogenic influences, environmental surveillance & education, Auchi DOI : 10.7176/JEES/9-8-02 Publication date : August 31 st 2019

Highlights

1.1 Introduction Soil degradation has important impact on the functioning of the socio-economic and environmental constituent of any ecosystem, it is associated with important tradeoffs for sustainability, food security, biodiversity and the vulnerability of people and ecosystem to an overall change impact (Lesschen et al, 2005)
5.0 Conclusion The need to arrest the trend in soil erosion in Auchi is very important
When the problem involves preventing erosion, it is best solved by means of construction and plant biotechnology

Summary

Introduction

Soil degradation has important impact on the functioning of the socio-economic and environmental constituent of any ecosystem, it is associated with important tradeoffs for sustainability, food security, biodiversity and the vulnerability of people and ecosystem to an overall change impact (Lesschen et al, 2005). Put differently, it refers to the reduction in the value and quality of a given soil through alteration in such a way as to render it unsuitable for its best use. It is estimated that over 90% of Nigeria’s total land area is under, rill and gully erosion (FGN, 1997)

Objectives

Findings

Conclusion