The Phenomenon of Land Degradation and Its Effects on Agricultural Production in Jibia, Kaita and Mashi Local Government Areas of Katsina State

Abstract

The phenomenon of land degradation has become a major challenge to areas where there is continuous use of the land for crop cultivation particularly in developing countries. The objectives of the study are to assess the occurrence of land degradation and to explain the impacts of the land degradation, and explain the impacts of the land degradation to farmers and the environment. The study employed the use of multiple data gathering methods on the form of field observation administration of questionnaire on farmers, key informant interview with government officials and focus group discussion with relevant stakeholders. Those involved in the questionnaire administration and key informant interviews were purposively sampled to provide the required data for the study. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to analyses the data inform of percentages, tabulations and pictorial evidence. The results show that land degradation is experienced by farmers in the three local government areas namely Jibia, Kaita and Mashi in Northern Katsina State. The indicators of land degradation are many which have been highlighted in the paper. The result further reveals that the impacts of land degradation on agricultural production in the three Local government areas many which include reduce crop yield and poor harvest limited pasture for animals among others. The communities and the government have adopted a number of measures to tackle the land degradation but it still persists. Recommendations were offered towards tackling land degradation in the study areas.