ASSESSMENT OF FARMERS’ AND PASTORALISTS’ PERCEPTION OF DESERTIFICATION IN JIBIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1004-4306Keywords:
Farmers, Pastoralists, Desertification, Perception, AdaptationAbstract
This study assessed the farmers’ and pastoralists’ perception of desertification in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State. Structured Interview and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were used to collect data for the study. A total of 180 respondents were sampled using snowball sampling from Jibia, Magama, Daddara and Kukar Babangida communities. This study employed descriptive statistics to assess the perceptions on forms, causes and effects of desertification. Chi-square test of independency was used to test the association between the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents and their perception of forms, causes and effects of desertification. The results revealed that majority of the respondents perceived high presence of sand in farmlands and loss of soil fertility as the action of desertification. Furthermore, the results revealed that desertification is caused by both natural and anthropogenic factors including selective logging, drought, deforestation; persistent dry spell, overgrazing and over cultivation. The effects of desertification as perceived by the respondents are more on crop production, water sources, animal production and biodiversity. Chi-square test of independency results revealed that the association between the perception of the effects of desertification and gender, age, family size and occupation is positive and moderate. Moreover, there is no association between the perception of the effects of desertification and farming experience. The study recommended that the knowledge of local people should be considered when addressing desertification. There should be public enlightenment on the dangers of deforestation and desertification for proper mitigation in the area of concerned.
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