ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY-BASED APPROACHES TO LAND DEGRADATION MANAGEMENT IN BOSSO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGER STATE

Abstract

This study assessed community-based strategies for land degradation management in Bosso LGA of Niger 
State. A mixed-method research design was adopted to examine the relationship between Community-Based 
Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) initiatives and land degradation. Primary data were obtained through 
questionnaires and field observations, while secondary data included Landsat satellite imagery from 2000, 
2011, and 2023, which were processed to analyse the extent and trends of degradation. A total of 400 
respondents were sampled across selected communities, and responses were analysed using a four-point Likert 
scale. The findings reveal a 71.7% decline in land availability over the past 10–20 years, while 97% 
experienced reduced soil fertility. Other major forms of degradation include vegetation loss (73%), soil 
erosion (72%), bush burning (71%), sand encroachment (51%), and salinization (16%). On average, 
respondents had observed these issues for approximately 12.5 years. Remote sensing analysis supports these 
perceptions, indicating a significant decline in vegetation health, with mean NDVI dropping by over 50% and 
degraded land expanding within the study period. The key barriers that hinder the adoption of sustainable land 
management practices include a lack of tools and inputs, financial constraints, insecurity, land tenure issues, 
limited extension services, labour shortages, and restricted market access. The findings suggest that land 
degradation in Bosso LGA is extensive and worsening. The study recommends strengthening community 
support systems and adopting continuous remote sensing monitoring to ensure sustainable land management.