Research article

Effects of nomadic herding on the environment: A case study of Kogi East senatorial district of Kogi State

Sir Daluba Noah Ekeyi, PhD

Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, Kogi State University, P.M.B 1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

Email: Sirdalus@yahoo.com; Tel: 08066716126 or 08072195821

Accepted 26 November, 2013

Abstract

The study examined the effects of nomadic herding on the environment in Kogi East Senatorial District of Kogi State. The craze for protein in man’s diet led to his plight for the rearing practices and management of farm animals (cattle, goats and sheep). Two research questions and a hypothesis guided the study. A 21-item structured questionnaire captioned Farmers and Agricultural Extension Agent Questionnaire (FAEQ) of four point rating scale (Strongly Agree; Agree; Disagree and Strongly Disagree) was designed by researcher and used for data collection in addition to interview and personal observation. The questionnaire was administered to 232 farmers and 18 Agricultural Extension Agents by the researcher with the assistance of the trained Agricultural Extension Workers. The instrument (questionnaire items) was validated by experts in Agricultural Science Education and Measurement and Evaluation. The collected data was analysed with the use of frequency counts, Mean and Pearson Product Movement Correlation (PPMC). The results revealed that soil surface hard pan development; aggravation of soil erosion, breeding of pests and pollution of drinking water among others was on the increase due to nomadic herding. There was a significant relationship between the perception of farmers and that of Agricultural Extension Agents. Useful recommendations such as establishment of a ranch by the government; establishment of grazing reserve and encouragement of rotational grazing practice by the herdsmen among others were proffered.

Keywords: Effects, Nomadic, Herding and Environment