The Effects of Gully Erosion on Physical and Socio-Economic activities in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Gully erosion has become a serious environmental disaster and also a threat to well-being of people. It has threatened and destroyed many of the physical infrastructures, properties, as well as retarding the social and economic growth and development of the inhabitants. The research assesses the effects of gully erosion on physical and socio-economic activities in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria. Data were obtained through physical observation, interview, google earth, Global Positioning System (GPS), and observation and questionnaire administered to household heads of targeted residents within the study area. The questionnaires were administered based on the issues relating to the effects of gully erosion on physican structures and the socio-economic activities of the respondent. Result of the impact of gullies on the physical infrastructures, it was observed that, the most affected physical facility is identified to be residential houses while result on the impact of gully erosion on socio-economic activities revealed that, farming is the most identified mean of livelihood affected by gully. Result of the gullies control measures revealed that, planting of trees and grasses, sandbag embankment, broken stone embankment and landfills were the method used in controlling gully erosion. The research therefore, recommends channeling of runoff water to less risk areas, planting of trees and other vegetation cover to control gully erosion. In addition, construction of physical structures and farmland along gully side should be discouraged.

Keywords: Effects, Gully Erosion, Physical, Socio-Economic, Akko, Nigeria