CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Introduction

This chapter focuses on the Research context, statement of the problem, research questions, research objectives, research hypotheses, justification of the topic, significance of the topic, scope and delimitation of the study (thematic, temporal, and spatial delimitation), organization of the dissertation, and conclusion.

1.2 Research Context

Soil is the most fundamental and basic natural resource for all life to survive. Water and wind erosion are two main agents that degrade soils. Runoff washes away the soil particles from sloping and bare lands while wind blows away loose and detached soil particles from flat and unprotected lands. Geologic erosion is a normal process of weathering that generally occurs at low rates in all soils as part of the natural soil-forming processes. The magnitude and impacts of soil erosion on productivity depend on soil profile and horizonation, terrain, soil management, and climate characteristics. Many factors and processes are responsible for soil erosion (Dede, 2020).

Soil erosion is regarded as one of the most critical environmental problems. It mainly occurs in the form of sheet, rill, and/or gully erosion. Amongst the three forms, rill erosion remains the main cause for concern since it is a precursor of gully erosion. Rill erosion mainly occurs as a result of concentrated overland flow of water leading to the development of small well-defined channels. These channels act as sediment sources and transport passages, leading to soil loss (James et al., 2020). Gully erosion is an important environmental threat throughout the U.K. and affects multiple soil and land functions. Gully erosion is a potentially lethal geomorphological process and thus constitutes a major threat to life and property. Hence, geomorphologists can play vital roles in decreasing the threats posed by gully erosion. There is physical evidence of intense gully erosion occurring at various times in the past in different parts of the U.K. Gullies are one of the few sources of morphological evidence in the landscape of past phases of intense soil erosion, reflecting the impact of environmental change especially due to interactions between geomorphological features, changes in land use, and extreme climatic events (Michael et al., 2018).

The major forms of soil erosion by water are sheet erosion, rill erosion, and gully erosion. Gully erosion is the removal of soil in large channels called gullies by concentrated runoff either on the surface or sub-surface level and is the severest form of soil erosion. Gully erosion is the major factor responsible for generating huge amounts of sediments. The extension of gully channels increases the overflow of sediment in the landscape and this results in the menace of natural calamity such as flooding. Gully formation by soil erosion and land degradation is an alarming problem in some parts of the country. In the light of the above facts, gully erosion and land degradation are discussed in this chapter (Zhang et al., 2018).

In South Africa, there is no apparent distinction between the different forms of water erosion, between sheet erosion and rill erosion. In the past, studies on water erosion were grouped together, which led to incorrect conclusions. Moreover, the USLE was generated in the United States of America and in other countries it has been found that the USLE over-predicts the soil loss from an area. Such is the case in areas which have differing climates characterized by sloping lands of varying gradients, which is especially true for South Africa (Bryan, 2019).

The greatest threat to the environmental settings of southeastern Nigeria is the gradual but constant dissection of the landscape by soil erosion by water. Although the incipient stages of soil erosion through rill and interrill are common and easily managed by the people through recommended soil conservation practices, the gully forms have assumed a different dimension such that settlements and scarce arable land are threatened. Therefore, gully erosion problems have become a subject of discussion among soil scientists, geographers, geologists, engineers, and social scientists. Ofomata indicated that gully erosion types are the most visible forms of erosion in Nigeria mainly because of the remarkable impression they leave on the surface of the earth. Again, Ofomata remarked that more than 1.6% of the entire land area of eastern Nigeria is occupied by gullies. This is very significant for an area that has the highest population density, 500 persons per km$^2$ in Nigeria. Before the 1980s, the classical gully sites in the region were the Agulu, Nanka, Ozuitem, Oko in Aguata area, Isuikwuato, and Orlu. With the increased development activities, the number and magnitude escalated thus making many government administrations within the region to set up soil erosion control with different names in different states (Igwe, 2019).

In the Bamenda II municipality, various forms of soil erosion manifest due to natural processes and human activities. The area experiences different types of erosion, including splash or raindrop erosion, rill or sheet erosion, gully erosion, stream erosion, and ditch bank erosion. These erosional processes contribute to the modification and degradation of the landscape in Bamenda II municipality. These various forms of soil erosion in Bamenda II municipality contribute to landscape dynamics, leading to changes in landforms and vegetation cover. The interactions between natural erosional processes and human activities exacerbate the extent and impact of soil erosion in the area (Afungang, 2013).

1.3 Statement of the Problem

Soil erosion is a pressing environmental issue in Bamenda II municipality, with various factors contributing to its occurrence. The primary causes of soil erosion in this area need to be thoroughly investigated to understand the root sources of the problem. One of the main reasons why ignorance of the primary causes of soil erosion leads to its manifestation in local communities appears to be the lack of awareness among residents. Without proper education and information about how human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, improper agricultural practices, and construction can contribute to soil erosion, individuals may unknowingly engage in these activities, exacerbating the problem. Ignorance about the primary causes of soil erosion may also stem from a lack of government regulation and support for sustainable land management practices. When there are no policies in place to promote responsible land use or when enforcement mechanisms are weak, individuals may continue engaging in activities that contribute to soil erosion without facing any consequences. Identifying these causes is essential for developing effective erosion management strategies that can target the specific factors leading to soil loss. By addressing the primary causes of soil erosion, authorities and stakeholders can implement targeted interventions to prevent further degradation of the land in Bamenda II municipality.

 Also, in Bamenda II municipality, it is crucial to assess the current management strategies employed to control and mitigate erosional forms. Understanding the effectiveness of these strategies is essential for improving existing practices and developing new approaches to tackle soil erosion. By evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the current management strategies, decision-makers can make informed decisions on how to allocate resources and implement measures that are more efficient and sustainable in the long term. This analysis is vital for ensuring that erosion control efforts in Bamenda II municipality are both effective and cost-efficient.

Bamenda II, soil erosion poses a serious threat to the environment and community well-being. The management of soil erosion in this region involves various stakeholders with distinct roles and responsibilities. These stakeholders include government agencies, local communities, environmental organizations, agricultural groups, and research institutions. However, the sustainability of soil erosion management in Bamenda 2 remains a critical concern due to factors such as limited resources, lack of coordination among stakeholders, climate change impacts, and population growth pressures. Understanding the roles of different stakeholders and evaluating the effectiveness of their efforts is essential for developing comprehensive strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of soil erosion management in Bamenda II.

Integrating sustainability and community-driven approaches into the management of erosion in Bamenda II municipality is essential for promoting long-term environmental resilience and social well-being. By adopting sustainable practices that prioritize the preservation of natural resources and ecosystem health, authorities can mitigate the impacts of soil erosion while fostering community empowerment and ownership of conservation efforts. Collaboration between local communities, government agencies, and environmental organizations is key to developing holistic and inclusive strategies that address the root causes of erosion and promote a harmonious balance between human activities and the environment in Bamenda II municipality 1.4Research Questions

1.4.1 Main research question

What level of knowledge does the population have about primary causes of erosional forms in Bamenda II municipality?

1.4.2 Specific research questions

1) What is the current management strategies used to control and mitigate erosional forms in Bamenda II municipality?

2) What are the various roles played by stakeholders involved in the DAmanagement of erosional forms in Bamenda II municipality?

 3) How sustainable are the methods and roles played by stakeholders in the management of erosional forms in Bamenda II municipality?

1.5 research Objectives

1.5.1 Main research Objectives

To examine the level of knowledge the population have about primary causes of erosional forms in Bamenda II municipality

1.5.2 Specific research questions

1) To determine the current management strategies u to control and mitigate erosional forms in Bamenda II municipality

2) To examine the various roles played by stakeholders involved in the management of erosional forms in Bamenda II municipality

3) To determine how sustainable the methods, roles played by stakeholders in the management of erosional forms in Bamenda II municipality