Maximizing the role of trees in flood control and creating resilient landscapes in Sokoto State, Nigeria: A review

Abstract

As the planet warms, rainfall patterns shift, and extreme events such as drought, floods, and forest fires become more frequent resulting in poor and unpredictable yields, thereby making farmers more vulnerable, particularly in Africa. Similarly, several studies reported that the consequences of climate change coupled with human activities resulting in flooding incidences, adversely affect land productivity and destroy infrastructural facilities in Nigeria. Despite several efforts, flooding incidences persist, and losses incurred due to such phenomenon are escalating. Given this, a biological approach involving tree planting at strategic places as a flood control measure is currently receiving attention worldwide. Though trees have limitations with regard to flood mitigation especially in the urban setting, their role in slowing surface runoff and provision of ecosystem services cannot be overemphasized. However, the current paper reviewed the potential of trees in flood regulation and creating a resilient landscape in Sokoto State, Nigeria. This is to provide information for policymakers, forestry practitioners, and environmental stakeholders in curtailing the impact of flooding and developing a landscape that persists or supports biodiversity after perturbation.