Effects of Sand Mining Burrow Pits along Kano–Ringim–Hadejia Road, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Sand mining is an important source of construction materials but often results in significant environmental and socio-economic impacts when poorly regulated. This study assessed the effects of sand mining burrow pits along the Kano–Ringim–Hadejia road corridor in Kano and Jigawa States, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the direction of burrow pit expansion relative to roads and farmlands and evaluated the environmental impacts associated with sand mining activities. A descriptive survey and field observational design were adopted. Six active burrow pits were purposively selected, while 353 questionnaires were administered to residents of nearby communities, with 342 valid responses analyzed. Data were collected through field measurements, questionnaires, interviews, direct observation, and photographic documentation, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that burrow pits expanded more towards farmlands than roads, with Ajaura “B” recording the highest farmland encroachment (31.26%). More than half of the respondents (56.14%) reported multiple environmental impacts, including land degradation, vegetation loss, soil erosion, and stagnant water formation, while 71.05% associated sand mining with accidents such as drowning, pit collapse, and truck-related incidents. The study concludes that uncontrolled sand mining has contributed to environmental degradation, loss of agricultural land, and increased public safety risks along the corridor. It recommends stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, rehabilitation of degraded sites, and active community participation to promote sustainable sand mining practices.