Surveillance of gully erosion in Damagum Town and environs, Fune Local Government Area, Yobe State of Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the causes of gully erosion in Damagum town and environs, mapped out the gully affected areas, and recommended possible solutions to the menace. Data used included both primary and secondary sources. The primary data were generated through measurement, soil laboratory analyses, use of camera and taking coordinates to generate GIS maps. The secondary data, including rainfall data and other relevant journals, was used to justify findings where necessary. The causes of the gully erosion in the study area were assessed based on the physical and anthropogenic factors. However, for the mapping purpose, areas most affected by the gully erosion were purposively selected, covering about 2000m distance. In addition, the natural elements were examined by determining the slope, elevation, stream pattern, flow direction, rainfall data and land used land cover of the study area. Hence, the study concludes that the major causes of the problem of gully erosion include both natural and anthropogenic factors via sand excavation. Lastly, the following recommendations were made, the government should encourage people to engage in community development practices. Furthermore, the government needs to construct drainage systems and repair the collapsed ones in the study area. Finally, there is a need for law enforcement against those violating the environment, such as dumping waste within the drainage system and sand excavation.