EFFECTS OF SOIL EROSION IN EMERGING URBAN CENTRE OF AFUZE
| PAGES = 67 | CHAPTERS = 1 – 5 |
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Soil erosion is a critical environmental challenge that must be addressed to mitigate its adverse impacts. Soil is an essential resource for all land uses, and careful management is necessary to prevent its degradation or destruction. Human activities and ignorance often exacerbate soil erosion, as poor soil management accelerates the erosion process. Soil, being one of our most valuable natural assets, faces significant threats from land degradation processes such as erosion, especially in urban areas. Erosion occurs gradually as water, wind, and other forces erode the land, causing the soil to deteriorate or vanish entirely.
Soil erosion and the resulting decline in water quality due to runoff are significant global concerns. This issue represents just one aspect of soil degradation, which also includes soil compaction, reduced organic matter, loss of structure, poor drainage, salinization, and soil acidity. These factors often exacerbate erosion, highlighting the need for increased awareness and action to address the problem. Scholars and researchers have extensively studied erosion, and discussions about its causes and consequences are widespread in media, literature, and online platforms.
The effects of erosion are evident across various sectors and regions, both rural and urban. In urban areas, erosion leads to property damage, destruction of roads, and the formation of deep gullies that obstruct access to homes. Rural areas are similarly affected, as crops are frequently washed away, and roads become impassable. The removal of nutrient-rich topsoil leaves agricultural lands impoverished and unproductive, while soil runoff contributes to sedimentation in undesirable locations, such as roads and waterways, causing further disruption.
Beyond its environmental implications, controlling soil erosion is vital for maintaining soil fertility and productivity for future generations. Effective erosion control also has economic, social, and ecological benefits. It supports employment opportunities in both rural and urban areas, reducing migration pressures. Given its multifaceted impacts, the study of soil erosion is both important and timely, deserving thorough attention to develop effective strategies for mitigation.
1.2 Statement of the Research Problem
Despite significant investments by government and non-governmental organizations to combat erosion in the urban center of Afuze, it remains a pressing environmental hazard. Various erosion control and flood channelization projects have been implemented by the local government at different times. However, the persistence of erosion as a threat to life and property raises questions about the adequacy or effectiveness of these efforts. It suggests that either the measures taken were insufficient or that they were poorly executed.
This ongoing issue invites critical reflection on the approaches employed and whether they address the root causes effectively. The recurring nature of the erosion problem has motivated this research, as it casts doubt on the efficacy of past interventions. Consequently, this study aims to explore the state of erosion control in Afuze by addressing key questions, including:
- What measures have been taken to control erosion in Afuze?
- Are these measures adequate?
- Were there critical actions left unaddressed?
- Were the interventions executed incorrectly?
- What additional actions are required?
Through this investigation, the research seeks to bridge gaps in knowledge about soil erosion in Afuze. To the best of the author’s understanding, no prior studies have specifically focused on this issue in the area.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
This study aims to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of soil erosion control measures in Afuze. The specific objectives are:
- To identify the types of soil erosion present in the study area.
- To analyze the nature and characteristics of the soil in the region.
- To examine the factors contributing to soil erosion in the area.
- To assess the impact of soil erosion on the local environment and community.
- To evaluate the adequacy of the measures taken to address soil erosion.
- To provide recommendations for improving soil erosion control efforts.
1.4 Hypothesis
The following hypotheses will be tested in this research:
A) The cost of controlling soil erosion in Afuze is ineffective and significantly impacts the management of soil erosion, as well as the well-being of the community and the environment.
B) The cost of controlling soil erosion in Afuze is effective and sufficient to mitigate soil erosion in the area.
1.5 Research Methods
Research methods in geography and regional planning encompass a series of systematic processes designed to collect, analyze, and interpret data to establish relationships among various geographical variables. These methods include field investigations, data collection, processing, classification, analysis, interpretation, and statistical significance testing. Such approaches aim to identify and quantify the associations between diverse geographic phenomena within a defined spatial framework. As Threkson et al. (1970) observed, the use of structured methods enhances the efficiency and reliability of geographic research, particularly in studies requiring spatial closure and detailed analysis.
1.5.1 Data Requirements and Sources
The data necessary for this study will be sourced from two primary categories: documented materials and field-based sources.
- Documentary Sources: These include both published and unpublished materials such as books, research reports, articles, maps, and online resources. These secondary sources will provide foundational insights and context for the study.
- Field-Based Sources: Primary data will be gathered directly from the study area through methods such as direct measurements and structured interviews.
1.5.2 Method of Data Collection
To achieve the study’s objectives, a well-structured questionnaire will be developed and distributed to gather relevant information. A sample size of 125 respondents will be selected from Afuze’s population, specifically targeting five major streets within the town. This sample size is designed to balance the need for comprehensive data with considerations of time and cost. The selected respondents will provide diverse perspectives, ensuring the reliability of the findings.
1.5.3 Method of Data Analysis
Statistical methods will be employed to analyze the collected data. To evaluate the effectiveness of soil erosion control measures, simple percentage calculations and chi-square statistical tests will be applied. These methods will assess residents’ perceptions and measure the relationship between variables. Data will be cross-tabulated to identify patterns and associations, offering a detailed understanding of erosion control measures across different streets in the study area.
1.6 The Study Area
Afuze serves as the headquarters of the Owan East Local Government Area in Edo State, Nigeria. Owan East is one of the 18 local government areas in the state and was established in 1991 following the creation of Owan West Local Government Area. Afuze is located approximately 103 kilometers from Benin City, the state capital.
Geographically, Owan East shares borders with Owan West to the east, Akoko Edo to the north, and Esan West to the south. The town of Afuze lies within the coordinates of latitude 7°15′N to 6°50′N and longitude 5°50′E to 6°15′E, placing it within a tropical climate zone characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Afuze is the primary administrative and geopolitical hub of Owan East, with its socio-economic activities revolving around agriculture, small-scale industries, and local governance.
This strategic location and socio-economic relevance make Afuze an ideal setting for investigating soil erosion challenges and assessing the impact of control measures within the community.
1.6.1 Climate
Afuze, located in Owan East, experiences the humid tropical climate typical of the region. This climate is characterized by high rainfall intensity and seasonally elevated temperatures. The rainy season usually begins in April and concludes in October, with July and September recording the highest rainfall levels, while January and December have the lowest precipitation rates. The annual average rainfall in the area is approximately 1,556 mm. Convectional rainfall dominates the region, though its distribution is uneven across days, weeks, and seasons. This climatic pattern significantly influences agricultural practices, vegetation, and soil conditions in the area.
1.6.2 Vegetation
The vegetation in the study area reflects the characteristics of a moist deciduous rainforest. This ecosystem is rich in timber resources, including species such as iroko, obeche, mahogany, acacia, and walnut. The tallest trees in the region reach heights of up to 36 meters, with two additional canopy layers of shorter trees below 15 meters. Apart from tropical hardwoods, the area also supports a variety of food crops. Commonly cultivated crops include oil palm, yam, cassava, cocoyam, plantain, rice, maize, and beans. This diverse vegetation supports both the ecological balance and the livelihoods of the local population.
1.6.3 Relief
Afuze, located in Owan East, lies on a plateau composed of fine-grained sandstone and carbonaceous shale and clay, as identified by Akinbode (1993). The plateau can be divided into two structural components: a relatively flat terrain and dissected slopes that descend from the plateau’s sides. The flat terrain, which has an average slope of approximately 10–38 meters, generally ranges in elevation from 350 to 460 meters above sea level. The highest elevations are found in locations such as Igue, Ake, Ikhin, and Otuo in the northern part of the area.
The flat terrain of the plateau has facilitated human settlement, with some communities extending into nearby valleys. According to Imoroa, the geology of the northern part of Edo State, where Afuze is situated, is dominated by Precambrian rocks. These geological features influence the area’s soil characteristics, vegetation distribution, and susceptibility to erosion, making them integral to understanding the environmental dynamics of the region.
1.6.4 Soil
The soil in Afuze, as identified by Imoroa (1993), is predominantly classified as ferralsols and brown latosols. These soils are rich in ferrous and aluminous compounds, which give them their characteristic reddish and brownish coloration. They are deeply weathered soils derived from sandy sediments and are known for their susceptibility to erosion due to their structure and composition. Despite their vulnerability, these soils are highly productive and widely used for cultivating crops such as cocoa, cassava, rice, and maize. The well-drained nature of the soil in many cassava-producing regions makes it particularly suitable for agricultural activities. This soil type plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of local farmers, though its sensitivity to erosion underscores the importance of sustainable soil management practices.
1.7 Communication and Transportation
Communication in Afuze encompasses all methods of connecting people and places, as noted by Olomo (1997). Common communication channels in the area include postal services, mobile phones, and road networks. However, modes such as waterways and air transport are absent in this region.
Transportation, particularly by road, is a vital aspect of daily life in Afuze. It enables access to essential socio-economic activities, linking rural and urban areas and facilitating trade and mobility. Roads in the area form the backbone of transportation infrastructure, making them indispensable to the town’s development. Lord Lugard famously emphasized the importance of transportation, asserting that “the natural development of Africa may be summed up in one word: transport.” This sentiment highlights the foundational role transportation plays in fostering economic and social growth in communities like Afuze.
1.8 Settlement Patterns
Afuze exhibits a linear settlement pattern, characterized by most settlements being aligned along major roadways. This arrangement reflects the practical importance of road access in the region, as settlements are typically organized to maximize connectivity and ease of transportation.
According to Olomo (1997), three primary settlement patterns exist globally: nucleated, linear, and dispersed. In Afuze, the linear pattern dominates, with homes and buildings strategically positioned along transportation routes. This spatial organization facilitates communication, trade, and mobility, making it a practical choice for communities in the area. The linear settlement pattern not only reflects the region’s reliance on road transport but also underscores the socio-economic interdependence of its inhabitants.