ASSESSMENT OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF GULLY EROSION IN GOMBE TOWN, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Soil erosion by water remains a major problem in many parts of Nigeria. The development of
gullies is one of the severe environmental problems in Gombe town. It threatened urban
infrastructure, properties, lives and the physical growth of the town. This paper therefore
examines the effects of gully erosion on the physical and socio- economic development of the
town. Data used in this study were derived from field measurements, group discussions and
interview schedules. Three sampled gully profiles were purposively selected for the study. They
were referred to as Gully profile A, transect FCE(T) Arawa- Mallam Inna Ungwa Uku;
Gully profile B, Manawashi area and Gully profile C, transect of GRA Gabuku Madaki
Misau- Doma. Results of the study showed that the effects of gully erosion on the socioeconomic development includes destruction of over 200 houses, loss of lives, displacement of
people, land depreciation, destruction of roads and culverts. This study concludes that
community-based, low-technology land management practices and public awareness
programmes could help control the development of gullies in Gombe town.