Description
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
A dramatic acceleration in population growth has taken place in sub-Saharan Africa since
the 1960s (World Bank, 2014). The increasing demand to feed this growing population has
lead to resource use intensification (Junge, 2006). and Non- adaptable land use practices
which lead to soil degradation (Hudson, 2011). In sub-Saharan Africa, soil degradation has
already become the most critical environmental problem (Mbagwu,2006). Gully erosion is
one manifestation of soil degrading processes that results in reduced soil quality and
productivity (Akamigbo, 2001, Morgan, 1995, Lal, 2008). There is an urgent need to
combat the accelerating trend of soil degradation, to maintain soil productivity and to
contribute to the food security of current and future generations (UNEP, 2013).
Ecological disasters rank high among factors which encourage inefficient utilization of
resources in Nigeria and limit the country‘s development potential. They occur in various
forms but typically include droughts, soil and wind gully erosion, flooding, oil pollution
and bush fires. Gully erosion is one of the most important physical problems affecting our
development in this part of the world today.