LAND DEGRADATION IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA: FORMS AND CAUSES

Ogboi, E. and E. Nmor

Agricultural Technology Department

Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro

E-mail: ogboied@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out in three (3) different geographical zones (North, Central and South) of Delta state with the aim of identifying the most common forms of land degradation and the cause(s) of such identified form of land degradation in the area of study. Preliminary survey was conducted in the area of study and thereafter, questionnaires on land degradation forms and causes were purposefully administered to two hundred (200) respondents in each zone of the study area. All the data obtained were represented in percentages. The forms of land degradation identified in the Northern Zone were: soil erosion, sedimentation, bush burning and improper waste disposal. In the Central zone, the forms of land degradation were: bush burning, soil erosion and sedimentation and flooding. In the Southern zone, the forms of land degradation were: crude oil pollution, flooding and improper waste disposal. The cause of the various forms of land degradation identified were attributed to man mostly and nature.