Adamu, Mohammed.2023-12-142023-12-142019-05-05A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY KEFFI.IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER DEGREE IN URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNINGhttps://keffi.nsuk.edu.ng/handle/20.500.14448/4853The study examines the perceived causes and effects of desertification in Maigatari L.G.A.of Jigawa state, Nigeria.Primary data on Socio-economic survey was used which potray loss in Harvest by 62.4% and poverty was identified with low income brackets up to 58.17% jigawa state ranked number one in 2007 as the poorest state with 90% of the inhabitants being poor,NBS(2007). visual observations of some striking physical features that showcase evidence of desert like environment was carried out Meteorological records of temperature and rainfall were used as factors of desertification and indicated decline in the amount of rainfall received in the area from 1970-1989 and increase in surface temperature from 2000-2009 making the area drier and prone to desertification. Loss of vegetal cover as factor of desertification in the study area was used which show significant change from 3057.04km2 which is 12.8% in 1986 to 8381.306km2 up to 35.23% in the year 2009 for the whole state with Maigatari strategically located at the extreme northern frontier and falls withing the radius of the area mostly affected by the vegetal cover loss which was dotted in red colour as indicated by the satellite imagery on fig.4.17 page 68, fig.4.18 page 69 and fig. 4.19 page 70 respectively.Review of Past government efforts in combating desertification was carried out which showcase some failure and success stories.Making reference to the Jigawa State Ministry of environment sectoral allocation Comprehensive Frame Work CDF (2010-2012) which highlighted lack of sectoral allocations and inadequate funds to some projects.some key findings in the study are increased temperatures from the year 2000-2009, decrease in the amount of rainfall received and lost in vegetal cover.The study makes some recommendations by suggesting improvement on measures and approaches used in the past through profer implementation of Budgetary proposals and adopting more scientific means such as sinkin of artesian wells, alternative sources of energy to checkmate the use of natural vegetation as sources of fuel wood.The study further recommends proper monitoring of budgetary provisions mean to fight desertification.And encourage the use of drought resistant crops since majority of the people are farmers up to 80% as reported in the studyenThesis