Survey of Factors Affecting the Sustenance and Productivity of Tropical Streams and Ponds in Madagali Local Government Area, Adamawa State

The investigation involved identification and inventory of streams, ponds and fish species. It assessed the water volumes, fish productivity, factors affecting fish productivity and management strategies currently in use for the water bodies and those suggested for ameliorating the situation. The study identified 8 Streams and 4 Ponds. Result of assessment of water volumes showed that Shuwa stream with 132,225.0m3 was highest and the least was Giwa Mblaji (5,514.25m3). In terms of lost water volume, Shuwa (66,112.50m3) was also highest and the least was Giwa Mblaji (3,151.0m3). For Ponds, the water volume of Zhau (111,102.36m3) was highest. 13 fish species belonging to 6 families were recorded across the water bodies. Result of fish productivity showed Kwajiti (3.962kg) as the highest and least was Dzuel (2,395kg). Based on fish species, Clarias gariepinus (4,795kg), Clarias lazera (3,863kg) and Tilapia zilli (2,047kg) were the top reproductive fish species. Factors affecting the sustenance, and fish productivity of Streams and Ponds in perceived order of endangerment based on worst and worse effects showed; poor fishing practices characterized by partitioning of streams into paddocks and total draining of water mostly using the water power pumping machine (29.17% and 27.50%) and agricultural expansion (24.17% and 48.33%) are the leading threatening factors. Based on strongly agreed the study suggested; adoption of restoration process of water bodies through controlled fishing (45.0%), provision of alternative fish source to divert people’s attention from stream and pond overexploitation (40.0%) and provision of buffer zones between farming sites and water bodies to aid bank consolidation (39.17%) among others could be adequate if effectively utilized for addressing the factors threatening the sustenance of tropical streams and ponds.