AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON SOIL EROSION IN EKPOMA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the impacts of climate change on soil erosion in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. The study identified the following regarding climate change and soil erosion in Ekpoma: the natural and anthropogenic causes, the impact of climate change on soil erosion, the socioeconomic consequences, and the mitigating and coping strategies. To achieve these objectives, this study employed both primary and secondary research methods to collect the required data: Four hundred and five (405) residents/respondents, representing point two three percent (.23%) of the entire population in the study area, were considered. Following the above, 405 questionnaires were administered across Ekpoma. The obtained data were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques, such as tables, frequencies, and percentages. The results reveal the natural and anthropogenic causes of soil erosion, the impact of climate change on soil erosion, the socioeconomic consequences of soil erosion, and the mitigating and coping strategies of soil erosion in Ekpoma. The following actionable policy recommendations are made based on the above findings: effective and continuous creation and promotion of community awareness on the impact of climate change on soil erosion in Ekpom, Edo State, Nigeria, climatic conditions should be monitored to help predict potential climate change-related hazards and how to avoid or overcome them, cover crop planting, all-season-green tree crops planting, soil conservation practices, reforestation, bush fallow/agricultural land abandonment, farmland tillage, terrace farming, environmental sanitation, permeable pavements, and building initiatives. Therefore, the paper concludes by urging the relevant authorities to ensure the effective implementation of the actionable policy recommendations