Analysis of the Impact of Climatic Element Variability on Surface Water Degradation in Komadugu Yobe Basin, Nigeria

This study intended to analyses the impact of climatic variability on surface water degradation in Komadugu Yobe Basin, Nigeria. Its aim to examine the water resources degradation of the basin and its aerial extent. Satellite images were officially sourced and downloaded from the United State Geological Survey website. The images were Landsat generated. Image processing and analysis was done under the supervision of GIS laboratory technician. Image interpretation, classification and overlay was done by GIS expert. Images with digital data was constructed with relevant design and presented in form of maps and tables which reflected land cover changes. Surface water which occupies about 3790.545km2 representing 18% of the total area of the Komadugu Yobe Basin in 1972 was reduced to 584.002km2 representing a paltry of 3.2% of the total area in 2017. Findings from Key Informant Interview indicated that about 66.5% of the basin communities are farmers engaged in different crop production. Though farming is the dominant economic activity, Fishing and Livestock rearing are the second and third major economic activities in the basin. Climatic variability, particularly, irregular rainfall, declining surface water mainly due to upstream dam construction and climate change are key factors responsible for the surface water degradation. The findings from the study also revealed that decline in surface water and rainfall have resulted in declining food production due to low crop yield, herders and fishermen migration due to none availability of pasture and low fish catch, hence food insecurity at the community level with over 75% of the household became food insecure. The study further reveals that surface water degradation has negative impact on food security of the basin communities. It is recommended that dam re-optimization, awareness creation on water conservation techniques and sustainable agricultural practice, river training (desilting and typha grass clearance in the river bed to improve flow of water for livelihood activities) of the basin would go a long way in addressing water resources degradation of the basin.