Authors : O.O. Oduntan, A.F. Akinyemi and I.A. Ayodele
Abstract: This study assesses the possibility of bird-friendly farming and fishing activities as well as its effects on bird conservation in Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands. About 2 communities, Matara Uku and Lafiya were selected on the basis of location within the wetlands, types of natural environment as well as proximity to major river channel. Proportional representation of farmers and fishermen were done using a modified I in k sampling procedure, as recommended for social research in wildlife. Farmers were primarily male, older and earned a higher income than fishermen. Farming is all year round in the 2 communities while community ponds were allowed to fallow by fishermen in both communities, so as to ensure continuous exploitation of sizeable catch. Seasonal changes affected size of farmland cultivated by almost all respondents but not the number involved in farming activities. Farmers move closer to rivers/water channels in dry season (upstream), as well as encroaching into grazing reserves for coping with flood (downstream). Bird species that were regarded as pest was a greater concern to farmers than to fishermen. Most farmers unlike fishermen were willing to spend more money on pest management that might benefit the environment. Methods used in controlling bird pest in the area include arms (guns and traps) 68 and 37%; Pesticides (34 and 0%); Models (91 and 66%); Netting (23 and 68%) as well as early harvesting (84 and 0%) for farmers and fishermen, respectively. Most farmers and fishermen were ready to embrace any vibrant alternatives to killing wild birds in controlling their attack on farmlands and ponds. However while most farmers would like to attract insect eating birds to their farms, the opposite was the case with fishermen. Policy recommendation was made based on the survey results.
O.O. Oduntan, A.F. Akinyemi and I.A. Ayodele, 2010. Assessment of Bird-Friendly Farming and Fishing Activities in Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, Nigeria. Agricultural Journal, 5: 286-291.