Perceived Effect of Water Scarcity on Livelihood Status of Livestock Farmers in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study evaluated the impact of water scarcity on the livelihood activities of livestock farmers in Zamfara State, Nigeria. The study adopted a multistage sampling technique to elicit primary data from 360 respondents. Data obtained were analysed using frequency, percentages and structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings revealed that livelihood activities had a direct effect on social networks (β= 0.944, p > 0.01), awareness (β = 0.572, p = >0.01), farmers’ perception of water scarcity (β = 0.266, p = >0.01) which were positive and significant. The result shows that R2 for a social network, awareness and perception were 51.4%, 37.2% and 61% respectively. This means that livelihood activity causes variance in these variables. The study concludes that livelihood activities significantly influence farmers' perceptions of water scarcity. Therefore, government organizations should invest in the development of subterranean water resources to improve water availability. Additionally, farmers should consider investing in rainwater harvesting infrastructure to mitigate the challenges of water scarcity.