ASSESSING CLIMATIC IMPACT DRIVERS AND HUMAN ACTIVITIES ON RIPARIAN AGROFORESTRY: EVIDENCES FROM KOMADUGU-YOBE RIVER BASIN, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Riparian agroforestry systems in the Komadugu-Yobe River Basin face increasing threats from climatic variability, land degradation, and human activities. Changing in climatic pattern and increased frequency of extreme events compromise ecosystem services, agricultural productivity, and livelihoods of local communities. This study investigates climatic impact drivers on riparian agroforestry, exploring evidence from the Komadugu-Yobe River Basin to inform sustainable management and adaptation strategies. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to investigate climatic impact drivers on riparian agroforestry in the Hadejia-Nguru Wetland (HNW). Primary data were collected through oral interviews, focus group discussions, and structured questionnaires administered to 120 respondents in two fishing communities. Secondary meteorological data (temperature, rainfall, and wind speed) spanning 10 years were obtained from NiMet. Purposive sampling design was used, with observations taken at landing sites and agroforestry areas. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (Correlation analysis) were used to analyze human influence on agroforestry resources and the impact of climatic drivers using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 26 x 86V. The study reveals significant environmental pressures in the Komadugu-Yobe River Basin. Key findings include:  overuse of surface water (35%), fuelwood harvesting (37.5%), grazing (43%), and hunting/wildlife use (45%); moderate decline in farming (57%), Doum Palm (50%), and fishing (50%); and widespread Typha grass invasion (38%). Human exploitative practices, such as illegal logging (26.67%), overgrazing (22.50%), and uncontrolled bush burning (16.67%), threaten agroforestry resources. Climatic drivers, including drought (28.33%), irregular rainfall patterns (24.17%), and increased temperature (18.33%), exacerbate these impacts. Correlation analysis shows that increased wind speed negatively impacts most resources, while temperature and rainfall have varying effects. These findings highlight the need for sustainable management practices to mitigate environmental degradation and promote ecosystem resilience. Policies and programs that discourage exploitative practices should be developed and implemented.