E3 Journal of Environmental Research and Management

E3 Journal of Environmental Research and Management Vol. 3 (7) pp. 0129-0131, August 2012; © E3 Journals; ISSN 2141-7466

Land use and environmental sustainability in the Zaha Mafa catchment basin in Gwoza local government area, Borno state, Nigeria

Abstract

Studies conducted between 1993-1997 have determined the environmental sustainability and land use of Zaha Mafa in Gwoza local government area, Borno State. The study revealed that the Zaha Mafa catchments basin has a potential irrigable land of 22,500 hectares, with, only 604 hectares intensively utilized by various economic groups for crop cultivation and grazing by February 2006, when the area was inspected last. This write-up stresses the need for effective research on land use through necessary guidelines and inputs. The catchments basin is a unique geomorphic feature with peculiar area attributes and land forms that constitute integral part of human environment and occupy an important place in the development process. The development strategies of Borno State Agricultural development programmers as contained in the aim and objectives of the state policy have not been extended to this area The land use in the catchment basin is largely traditional, less capital and government incentives which does not encourage sustainable resource and proper environmental use. Data used were obtained from field survey and maps. Interview schedules were carried out in 10 village units selected purposively along the Zaha Mafa basin. A sample of 600 respondents was interviewed from the sampled villages and 45 groups were interviewed orally on socio-economic activities and environmental issues. Data obtained were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and table. It is recommended that the development of resources in this basin should be conceived, planned and executed accordingly. This will go a long way in maintaining and sustaining it to an indefinite future, taking into cognizance, renewable and non-renewable resources.

Keywords: Land use, Zaha-Mafa, Sustainability, Marshes, Catchment basin