EROSION AS A FACTOR OF LANDSCAPE DESTRUCTION IN ILARO, YEWA SOUTH, SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Abstract

The study focuses on land erosion threat which has remained a major factor of landscape destruction in Ilaro, Yewa South, Ogun State, Nigeria. The study was wheeled by four objectives with the aim of examining the environmental impact of land erosion in the Ilaro town (the study area) with the view to curtailing the aged challenge through a research collaboration effort. Methodologically, the population for the study comprises of household population of Ilaro area covering 16 neighbourhoods within Ilaro community divided into five strata and a sample size of 397 estimated through Taro Yamane’s method of sample selection. The data generated through the use of questionnaire instrument were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis methods to depict the information on erosion as it affects different segments of the study area. Findings from Ilaro building conditions revealed that 49% (percent) of the houses were built with cement blocks, and 27 percent were plastered. Investigation revealed that 46 percent of all the houses’ walls were found with cracks which might be as a result of soil erosion effects on the structures. Geologically, laterite soil was found to be most dominant at 48.8% among other soil types in the study area.  From the study, the solution of erosion menace could be salvaged through the long-term and short-term measures involving full commitment of the government and private organisations within the state. The study recommends that: erosion channels should be diverted to critical areas of hydrological system and there should be a regular maintenance of road channels to keep drains clean so as to prevent flooding and also installing diversion at drains and culverts where runoff velocity can trigger erosion; massive public awareness through campaign on the problems and consequences of land erosion, as well as enacting environmental laws and serious penalties for offenders; community efforts and commitments should be advised to contribute their quota through local means.