Wetland use and resource degradation among small-scale farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper examines the significance of wetland ecosystems to the socio-economic life of smallholders in Cross River State, and the relationship between socio-economic factors and wetland degradation. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting respondents for the study. Data for this study was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as means, percentages, frequency distribution and regression analysis. Findings revealed that farming was the major occupation of respondents while trading was the major complementary activity. There was evidence of increasing intensity of land use, with 51 percent of the respondents indicating 0-2 years of fallow. The wetland sector provided 80 percent employment to smallholders whereas other sectors/activities provided 20 percent. The result of the regression analysis based on Linear regression model showed that farm size, household size, respondent’s age, fallow period and level of education were all significant determinants of wetland degradation. R squared value of 0.877 implied that 88% of the variations in wetland degradation was explained by the independent variables. The adjusted R squared and Standard Error of the estimate were 86% and 6.78 respectively. The model was significant at 1% probability level. Lack of credit, lack of access to inputs and deforestation were amongst the most severe problems. The study recommends that diversification of income sources through the creation of alternative means of livelihood will help reduce pressure on wetland ecosystems and subsequently reduce wetland degradation.

KEY WORDS: Wetland, Small-Scale, Resources, Ecosystem, Degradation.