An Assessment of the Impact of Livestock Grazing on Riparian Ecosystem along Gongola River, Dadin Kowa Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Grazing of livestock is the most widespread land-use practice in Northern part of Nigeria, occupying about 60% of the land surface. These activities are usually carried out along river channels and therefore, impact to a considerable extent on the riparian ecosystem.
This study assesses the effects of livestock grazing on riparian ecosystem along Gongola River at Dadin Kowa, Yamaltu Deba LGA, Gombe State, Nigeria. Water samples and laboratory test, field measurements and observation of vegetation species were employed in the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics i.e. T-test was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that, shrubs are the dominant plant species with 23.17%, followed by neem (Azadiractha indica) 18.30%, Herbs dominating 17.07%, and Mango (magnifera indica) 13.41%. A t-test analysis reveals that there is significant difference in the height and diameter of trees with t-value of 9.087. Plant species that are palatable to animals have witnessed degradation through looping and trampling hence their survivals are at risks. While the largest livestock composition are mainly cows constituting about 52.72%, followed by sheep 40%. Apart from polluting the water, the livestock routes and riparian corridors are characterized by erosion thereby increasing to the siltation/sedimentation of the Gongola River valley. Also, result of water quality analysis revealed an uneven distribution in all the selected parameters. Mean pH value obtained was 8.22, while calcium, magnesium, chloride, turbidity, Biochemical Oxygen Demand were 10.88 mg/L, 0.23 mg/L, 21.26 mg/L, 564.00NTU and 11.29mg/L, respectively. This implies that the water quality is not safe for human consumption and to a larger extent the livestock. The study, therefore, recommends the need for creation of ranches in the area by the Federal or State Government to preserve the natural environment from biodiversity lost.