ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF SAND DUNES ACCUMULATION ON LIVELIHOOD IN GIDAN JADO DISTRICT OF GADA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Sand dunes as a major product of desertification is well known to affect soil resources, water resources and
vegetation especially in arid and semi-arid region, this scenario disrupt the livelihood security of people in the
affected areas. This research assessed the episode of sand dunes accumulation on house hold livelihood
security of people in Gidan Jado district of Gada Sokoto dstate Nigeria. The researcher collected soil sample
and subjected it to laboratory test and also 200 questionnaires was administered to the sample respondents us.
The major findings shows that 80% of the respondents agreed that sand dunes affect water availability, soil
fertility, transportation and fishing activities and as such posed negative consequences to lively hood security.
Also 62% of the respondent suggested that they plant trees in their farm land s and homes in order to reduce
the negative effect of sand dunes. However, on the soil parameters tested, it indicated low Organic carbon,
Nitrogen, Potassium, Calcium and Phosphorus but higher values was recorded in Sodium and Cation
exchange capacity which served as an evidence of high or strong aridity nature of the soil in the area. This
consequently affected crop yield. Based on the findings the researcher recommended planting of tress as well
as the use of organic manure for higher crop yield and as such improved lively hood of people in the area