NSUK Repository :: Browsing by Author "Ayuba, H.K."

Browsing by Author "Ayuba, H.K."

Now showing 1 - 20 of 49

Open Access
ALLEVIATING SOIL COMPACTION BY ORGANIC AMENDMENTS ON CROPPING FIELDS IN A PART OF NIGERIA’S SAVANNA REGION
(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 1999-06-12) Ayuba, H.K.; Abubakar, Sani M.
It is well recognized 'that organic amendments in cropping field, especially on long term, alleviate soil compaction. The extent of such however varies clearly with soil condition, bio-climatic conditions of an area, levels of the amendments themselves, cropping history and land management techniques each of which can vary from an area to another. In this article, a brief report is given of a study conducted to examine the combative effects of long term (1961-1991) organic manure amendments on two key indices of soil compaction (bulk density and total porosity) in Konduga area of Nigeria's Suduno-Sahelian region. This was done by examining soils of 15 farmer-managed plots, and those of uncultivated plots under long-standing, semi-natural vegetation cover. The results obtained reveal that even though the cultivated plots vary in age, of between 5-30 years, as at the time of soil sampling (1991), there are very low spatial variations in mean values of the two soil structural properties of the 15 plots. The properties of the cultivated plots have been maintained at about 100% of the values of the same properties of the uncultivated plots. These results thus suggest that on both short and long term bases, the use of organic manure in soil fertility-maintenance-in the study area can possibly reverse the degradation trends occasioned by soil compaction.
Open Access
Analysis of the Relationship between Wildfire Occurrences and Population Trend within the Shores of Lake Chad Basin Using Geoinformation
(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2012-03-01) Dami, A.; Ayuba, H.K.; Bila, M.
The study focuses and examines the relationship that exists between wildfire occurrence and the population trend within the shore of the Lake Chad. Geospatial analysis of fire pixel counts from MODIS images of the period 2001 – 2009 was performed to determine the relationship between the wildfire occurrences and the population trend. The interpretation of SPOT panchromatic imagery in combination with field survey provided perimeters of settlements and estimated population in the area with the highest fire density in the north basin of Lake Chad. Major findings shows that the distribution of wildfires on the floor of Lake Chad for the period 2001-2009 reflected a spatial relationship with the distribution of vegetation and a temporal relationship with the seasonality of human-ecosystem interactions. The total number of fires recorded on the Lake floor is 25,690 leading to a burnt area of 19,274 km2. The population trend however, is increasing while that of wildfire occurrences is decreasing. The increasing trend in population against a decreasing trend in wildfire occurrences is an indication of the gradual conversion of the wild habitat between the old and the new shorelines of Lake Chad through human-ecosystem interactions from wild land to human occupation and exploitation.
Open Access
Analysis of Tree Species Preference and Reasons among Commercial Charcoal Producers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2021-04-02) Ekpo, Salamatu Abraham; Ayuba, H.K.; Danjuma, Marcus N.; Ogah, Tanko Adamu
Commercial charcoal production has over time become an indispensable means of livelihood among rural settlers in Nasarawa State. However, charcoal production involves woodland exploitation which contributes to deforestation. Considering the growing significance of charcoal in rural and urban livelihoods in Nasarawa State, this paper analysed the preference of tree species and reasons among commercial charcoal producers in Nasarawa State in view of identifying endangered species and suggesting measures to ensure sustainability of the business. The study employed descriptive survey using both qualitative and quantitative data drawn from primary and secondary sources. Questionnaire was administered to 450 respondents randomly sampled from commercial charcoal producers drawn from 6 communities and 3 LGAs of Nasarawa State. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were also conducted and the data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in Microsoft Excel and SPSS (version 23). A total of 22 tree species were identified as usable for charcoal production in the study area. Investigation into the producers’ preference of tree species showed that eight (8) were mostly preferred out of which Anogeissus leiocarpus (Marke) (57.3%), Erythrina senegalensis (Madri) (52.2%) and Prosopis Africana (Kirya) (49.1%) were among the top three. Marke, Kirya and Madri were the most preferred species in Akwanga, Doma and Karu production areas respectively. High charcoal yield, good combustion quality, high heat content of resulting charcoal, less ash production were the main reasons for their preferences. Most of the preferred tree species have been depleted to the point that they are no longer commonly found for use among commercial charcoal producers in the state. The most endangered species due to commercial charcoal production were Anogeissus leiocarpus (Marke), Erythrina senegalensis (Madri) and Prosopis Africana (Kirya). However, pressure is currently on Teminalia glocosece (Baushe/Uko), Andira inermis (Gwaska), Ficus Spp (Baure), Vitellaria paradoxa (Kede) and Gardinia aqualla (Gaude) due to the difficulties in finding the endangered ones which constituted the most preferred species among producers in Nasarawa State. It was recommended that state energy policies should incorporate a law recognizing charcoal as a key source of energy in the State, thereby encouraging investments in the activity of commercial charcoal producers. Furthermore, conservation plans and practical measures of replacing the extracted trees from woodlands/forests for commercial charcoal production should form the basis for license issuance for charcoal production
Open Access
Analysis of Wildfire Occurrences within the Shores of Lake Chad using Geo-information Technology
(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2011-11-01) Ayuba, H.K.; Dami, A.; Mohammed, Bila D.
Geographic Information Technology provides an important tool in modeling ecosystem dynamics. One of the drivers of ecosystem change in the Lake Chad Basin is wildfire. This paper examines the historical spatial patterns of wildfires and employed a trend analysis using Geographic Information System (GIS) technique in analyzing fire pixel counts from MODIS images of the period 2001-2009. The results revealed a declining trend in wildfire occurrences and a non-linear relationship in the numbers of wildfire occurrences for the period 2001-2009. This is due to the interplay of several factors such as human influence, winds, temperature changes, and the type, extent and spread of vegetation. During the period under study, the total number of fires recorded in the Lake floor is 25,690 with a burnt area of 19,274 km2 The highest number of fires occurred in 2001, with varying figures in subsequent years. The highest number of fires in 2001 may be connected to the extent of flooding and the subsequent invasion by vegetable biomass on the Lake floor after the recession of floods. The decline in wildfires is indicative of the fact that the biomass within the lake floor, which would ordinarily have been burnt, is now being cleared to make way for farmlands. The declining trend in wildfires on the lake floor of the Lake Chad Basin is seen as a good development for the basin.
Open Access
ANALYSTS OF TREE SPECIES PREFERENCE AND REASONS AMONG COMMERCIAL CHARCOAL PRODUCERS IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA.
(Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State State University Keffi, 2021-03-03) Ekpo, Salamatu Abraham; Ayuba, H.K.; Marcus, Nengak Danjuma
Commercial charcoal production has over time become an indispensable means of livelihood among rural settlers in Nasarawa State. However, charcoal production involves woodland exploitation which contributes to deforestation. Considering the growing significance of charcoal in rural and urban livelihoods in Nasarawa Slate, this paper analysed the preference of tree species and reasons among commercial charcoal producers in Nasarawa State in view of identifying endangered species and suggesting measures to ensure sustainability of the business. The study employed descriptive survey using both qualitative and quantitative data drawn from primary and secondary sources. Questionnaire was administered to 450 respondents randomly sampled from cornu rcial charcoal producers drawn from 6 communities and 3 LG As of Nasarawa State. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were also conducted and the data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in Microsoft Excel and SPSS (version 23). A total of 22 tree species were identified as usable for charcoal production in the study area. Investigation into the producers ’ preference of tree species showed that eight (8) were mostly preferred out of which Anogeissus leiocarpus (Marke) (57.3%), Eryt.hrina ■ senegalensis (Madri) (52.2%) and Prosopis Africana (Kirya) (49.1%) were among the top three. Marke, Kirya and Madri were the most preferred species in A/cwanga, Doma and Karu production areas respectively. High charcoal yield,"good combustion quality, high heat content of resulting charcoal, less ash production were the main reasons for their preferences. Most of the preferred tree species have been depleted to the point that they are no longer commonly found for use among commercial charcoal producers in the state. The most endangered species due to commercial charcoal production were Anogeissus leiocarpus (Marke), Erythrina senegalensis (Madri) and Prosopis Africana (Kirya). However, pressure is currently on Teminalia glocosece (Baushe/Uko), Andira inermis (Gwaska), Ficus Spp (Baure), Vitellaria paradoxa (Kede) and Gardinia aqualla (Gaude) due to the difficulties in finding the endangered ones which constituted the most preferred species among producers in Nasar aw a State, it was recommended that state energy policies should incorporate a law*> recognizing charcoal as a key source of energy in the State, thereby encouraging investments in the activity of commercial charcoal producers. Furthermore, conservation plans and practical measures of replacing the extracted trees from woodlands/forests for commercial charcoal production should form the basis for license issuance for charcoal production.
Open Access
ASESSMENT OF DROUGHT INDUCED LAND COVER CHANGES IN GAJIRAM AREA OF BORNO STATE USING LANDSAT MSS SATELLITE DATA
(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2001-06-01) Ayuba, H.K.; Abubakar, Sani M.
Drought is a principal factor governing land cover charges of land degradation in such ecosystems. Satellite remote sensing is a good cool of directing such changes. In this paper, the impact of Nigeria 's 1984 drought on land cover was examined by analyzing 1980 and 1987 digital Landsat MSS satellite data of Gajiram area of Borno State, Nigeria.The two data were radio-metrically and geometrically corrected, registered to a common map projection and then each subjected to a maximum likelihood unsupervised classification to produce a land cover map for each date. The two independently classified maps were then compared within the framework of Geographical Information System to evaluate the magnitude of changes in each land cover between the two dates. The results obtained revealed that between the two compared periods, the various land cover types have undergo the following changes in their special extents: Built-up (+100) Bare(+125%). Grass and Herbs (+13%) Shrubs and Grasses(+43%), Open Tress and Shrubs (-12%), Thcrr.bush t-4IVoi. Forest (-27%), Thickets (-45:>,. oi:d Ha&r (-60%). Possible underlining reasons for the observed changes, and their implication for land development in the area have been discussed.
Open Access
ASSESSING EVIDENCE FOR SOIL DEGRADATION IN THE SEMI-ARID RANGELAND OF YOBE STATE, NIGERIA.
(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2001-01-01) Ayuba, H.K.; Abubakar, Sani M.
This paper examines soil chemical degradation in one of the largest statutory grazing reserves in Yobe State, Nigeria (The Jakusko-Nasari grazing reserve). Soil samples were collected and analysed using standard Held and laboratory techniques. To compute the indices of soil degradation, the mean value for each soil parameter used in the grazed plots (the heavily grazed, moderately grazed and light grazed sites) is expressed as a percentage of the mean value in the Savanna woodland site (the reference location); and the value obtained is subtracted from 100. The results reveal an enrichment of organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and other soil nutrients in the heavily grazed sites close to the water points. This suggests a net transport of nutrients from the outlying areas inwards towards the water points! In spite of this pattern, the nutrient status of the soil is significantly lower than those of Southern Guinea Savanna, it was recommended that the rangeland he reseeded with promising legumes such as Slylosanthes species and Alylosia Scarabaciodcs in order to help fix nitrogen, thus increase soil nutrient; improve soil structure and increase ovcrallTangc productivity.
Open Access
Assessment Of Charcoal Processing Technology Used For Commercial Charcoal Production In Nasarawa State, Nigeria
(Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2021-03-03) Ekpo, Salamatu Abraham; Ayuba, H.K.; Marcus, Nengak Danjuma; Ogah, Adamu Tanko
Deforestation and Forest degradation is one o f the major environmental problem ravishing the world today, Charcoal production involves a wholesome dependency on the natural woodlands which contributes to deforestation, leading to the loss o f valuable resources and dangerous interference with the environment. The adverse effect of deforestation is climate change through the release of large amounts of greenhouse gases that fuel global warming. I Charcoal production reduces the bio-productivity o f ecosystems by disrupting the habitats of thousands of species, and gradually transforms forest lands into barren deserts.
Open Access
An Assessment of Gully Erosion in Gombe Town, Gombe State, Nigeria
(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2012-08-10) Mbaya, Lazarus Abore; Ayuba, H.K.; Abdullahi, John
The development of gullies is one of the severe environmental problems in Gombe town. It has threatens urban infrastructure, properties, lives and the physical growth of the town. Knowing the rates of gully development in the last decade helped explain the reasons for current land degradation. This research work therefore assessed gully erosion in Gombe town. Data used in this study were derived from field measurements, satellite imageries, and laboratory analysis and questionnaire survey. Results from the interpretation of Spot 5(1999) and Quick Birds (2009) imageries and field measurements showed that gully variables (length, depth and widths) have significantly increased in the last 10 years. Laboratory analysis of soil particle size revealed that sand proportion was 52%, silt 9.5% and clay 38.5%. The values of Atterberg limits (liquid limits; plasticity limit and the plasticity index (PI), shear strength (cohesion and angle of internal friction) and bulk density values were low, soil chemical properties also showed that the soils are moderately acidic, contained low organic matter, and low exchangeable cations, with serious implication on biological methods of erosion control
Open Access
Biotechnology Potentials For National Development
(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2003-03-12) Ayuba, H.K.; Abba, Kagu
Open Access
Changes in plant species composition in a semi-arid rangeland of Nigeria.
(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2000-04-01) Ayuba, H.K.; Aweto, A.O.
A major concern in the management of arid and semi-arid rangelands in Africa is the progressive loss of plant species diversity. Losses in plant specie:, diversity have been attributed to (be overuse of rangelands by domestic livestock. ' An understanding of the dynamic interactions between the livestock and plants is required in older to achieve an optimal sustainable use of these rangelands. Unfortunately, studies on (he Sudan Sahclinn ecosystems or Nigeria have severely been limited b\ the paucity of quantitative data. The limited knowledge of the savanna ecosystem dynamics in Nigeria lias negatively affected the efficient management of the rangelands and deterioration of the rangelands has continued unabated This paper provides some quantitative data on the changes in plant species composition in one of (lie largest grazing reserves in the semi-arid region of Nigeria (the Jakusko-Nnsnri Grazing Reserve), which has been subjected to continuous grazing for over 30 years.
Open Access
CHANGING INFORMATION FLOWS: A CHALLENGE TO RURAL FARMERS IN ADAMAWA STATE
(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2003-10-01) Ayuba, H.K.; Bzugu, P.M.
One of the most valuable resources in agricultural development is access to information. In Nigeria today, the rural farmer faces so many challenges in this regard. A* fundamental issue is the poor state of telecommunications infrastructure in the country (what has been termed "the digital divide" between the developed and developing countries). This paper highlights factors for the increasing disparity in the digital devise and its implications tomural farmers in Adamawa State. It recommends the use of every available old information technologies to enable rural communities access'to'share and exchange experiences in sustainable agriculture rather than concentrate on the internet which is not practicable -now-.
Open Access
CHANGING TRADITIONAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN THE CHAD BASIN AREA: THE CASE OF RURAL BORNO STATE
(Department of Goegraphy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2004-08-01) Ayuba, H.K.; Msheliza, Deborah S.; Aji, Y.M.
Adaptive processes in the Chad Basin area under traditional resource management systems have generally been ignored in development projects. In consequence, there has been intensification of regional inequality, peripheral dependency, and periodic food crises. A key step towards initiating feasible resource management systems is an understanding of the traditional methods of resources utilization and management, and, their changing role in the economy of the semi-arid region of Nigeria. This paper examines two indigenous practices among rural communities in Borno State, Nigeria: these are, the utilization and management of water resources and land for agriculture. The result reveals that the rural people still operate through traditional resource management systems that are fair and sustainable. However, some of the existing systems are changing due to a number of extrinsic forces, which push rural people to exploit their environment in certain ways. Policy changes and reforms in the rural areas must be practical and suited to the needs of the rural people in order to achieve the desired results.
Open Access
CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN AFRICA: ITS IMPLICATIONS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROSPECTS FOR FARMERS IN THE SUB-SAHELIAN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONE OF NIGERIA
(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2007-10-01) Ayuba, H.K.
Climate change is a phenomenon whose effects and impacts would affect peoples and nations differently. Nigeria and its people are expected to be most affected by the impacts of climate change, through sea level rise along its coastline, intensified desertification,erosion, flood disasters, and general land degradation. Northern Nigeria is one of the most threatened land areas to climate change in the country. The region lies largely within the semi-arid zone, which is recognized as a dynamic ecosystem as a result of highly variable and unpredictable rainfall, seasonal fires, high temperatures, overgrazing and other anthropogenic influences. In addition, poverty, increasing population growth and the poor resource endowment makes it difficult to find solutions to these problems without comprehensive policy changes and public enlightenment. Some of these environmental problems are highly interactive and interlinked with health, water supply, nutrition, poverty, unemployment, and poor agricultural productivity. The resulting decline in agricultural productivity from increased droughts and desertification will further raise the vulnerability of the region to climate change.
Open Access
Climate Change Impact on Plant Species Composition in Six Semi-Arid Rangelands of Northeastern Nigeria
(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2007-12-01) Ayuba, H.K.; Maryah, U.M.; Gwary, D.M.
In spite of the considerable advances made in understanding and modeling climate change at the international level, awareness of, and concern for, the problem in Nigeria remain poor. There is yet a considerable dearth of regional studies on the likely impact of climate change on the nation's ecosystems.This paper examines climate change impact on six semi-arid rangelands in north-eastern Nigeria. The results revealed declining forage species composition, increased bare surfaces, and increased shrub encroachment, which are indicative of the combined effects of grazing, fire, drought, desertification and climatic variability, and which call for urgent management strategies that would improve the productivity of the semi-arid rangelands thereby guarantee food security for the region as well as the country at large.
Open Access
CULTURAL DYNAMICS IN RESOURCES UTILIZATION, CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT AMONG RURAL COMMUNITIES IN BORNO STATE
(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2003-08-01) Ayuba, H.K.
Man has been a factor in environmental change for at least 40, 000 years, since the late stages of the Pleistocene ice age (Knowles and Wareing, 1980). However, the scale of man’s impacts on the environment has accelerated rapidly since the Industrial Revolution. As a consequence, it is very difficult to define the term natural environment because so many parts of what is generally - < taken to be natural environment, such as vegetation and animal life, have been so greatly altered that they might be considered man-made or cultural landscape. These changes have been brought about as a result of man’s attempts to modify the earth’s surface to increase its capacity to support him, and to satisfy his increasingly large range of needs and desires. Cultural landscapes thus, reflect the socio-economic aims and the technical abilities of any people living in any given area.
Open Access
CULTURAL PRACTICES AMONG RURAL COMMUNITIES IN THE CHAD BASIN AREA AND THEIR IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT: The Case of Borno State
(Deparment of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2004-01-01) Ayuba, H.K.; Aji, Yagana M.; Msheliza, Deborah S.
People’s responses and altitudes toward resource use are conditioned by timd, place and culture. Culture is file totality of human experience and since there are wide varieties of cultures, there are wide varieties of cultural responses, even to the same environment. Every culture creates its own cultural landscape which is a physical expression of its way of life in the form of housing forms and materials, land use types, crops grown, animals kept, etc. The knowledge of locality specific cultural practices that impact on (he environment is very important in understanding natural resources utilization, conservation and management. This paper attempts to provide information on indigenous methods of resource use and management among rural communities in Borno state (Nigeria) and their changing roles in the economy of the Chad Basin area.
Open Access
DESERTIFICATION AND SUSTAINABLE UTILISATION OF NATURAL FOREST RESOURCES IN BORNO STATE
(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2002-03-12) Ayuba, H.K.; Daura, M.M.; Ijere, J.A.; Maryah, U.M.; Msheliza, Deborah S.
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) defines desertification as:"land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry subhumid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities (United Nations, 1994). Furthermore, UNCCD defines land degradation as a: "reduction or loss, in arid, semi-arid, and dry subhumid areas, of the biological or economic productivity and complexity of rain fed cropland, irrigated cropland, or range, pasture, forest and woodlands resulting from land uses or from a process or combination of processes, arising from human activities and habitation patterns, such as soil erosion, deterioration of the physical, chemical, and biological or economic properties of soil; and long-term loss of natural vegetation" (United Nations,1994). Desertification, if not controlled, could convert an erstwhile fertile and productive land into an infertile and unproductive one, with devastating socio-economic and political consequences for both the local and international communities.
Open Access
DESERTIFICATION AND THE DEPLETION OF VEGETAL RESOURCES IN BORNO STATE
(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2001-07-05) Ayuba, H.K.; Maryah, U.M.; Ijere, J.A.
This research examines the problem of desertification and the depletion of natural vegetation in Borno Slate. Specifically, if seeks to evaluate the rote oj stakeholders in the depletion of biological resources and the implications for the Borno environment. The stratification of (he state into three ago-climatic zones (northen.?, central, and southern) enabled the researchers to ascertain the extent.of exploitation of vegetable resources in each zone. A total of450 (150for each zone) structured interviews were administered to farmers, pastoral is ts and rural women who were selected randomly within the farming areas. Field observations also constituted a major part of the field work. The results revealed that intensive exploitation of the Savanna woodland over the years to meet the ever Increasing demand of man and livestock has resulted in a desert-like landscape in this semi-arid region. The effects of this menace are many and varied. The most important being the dwindling productivity of food crops, low quality supplement of leaves, fruits and seed * pods from such frees and shrubs, hi view of this, the researchers recommend the use of improved wood stoves as a way to save the scarce wood supplies, a combination of extensive afforestation and agro forestry schemes and improvement in the management of existing indigenous woodlands rather than ’ the widely planted exotic tree species
Open Access
Effect of Continuous Cultivation with Animal Manuring on a Sub-Sahelian Soil near Maiduguri, North Eastern Nigeria
(Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 1993-04-12) Ayuba, H.K.; Aweto, A.O.
This study evaluates the impact of continuous peasant farming based on the use of animal manure, on a semi-arid soil in the Maiduguri area of north-eastern Nigeria, by comparing the properties of the soil under continuous farming with a similar soil under a natural savanna forest reserve. Bulk density and total porosity values were similar in both soils. This suggests that traditional cultivation involving the application of animal manure did not adversely affect soil physical status. The levels of exchangeable magnesium, potassium, cation exchange capacity and available phosphorus were similar in the 0-10 cm and 10-30 cm layers of both soils. However, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, exchangeable calcium and pH were less in the soil under continuous cultivation, indicating a decline in soil fertility. The adoption of soil management techniques to conserve and enhance soil organic matter and nutrients appears crucial to the long-term productivity of the soil under continuous cropping