IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON GULLY EROSION FORMATION IN GOMBE TOWN, NORTH EAST NIGERIA

Abstract

The processes involved in the impact of climate change on soil erosion by water were examined. Climatic
data were collected from Gombe State University Meteorological station and National Meteorological
station Gombe. Climatic elements collected were daily, monthly and annual rainfall, minimum and
maximum temperature; evaporation, soil and grass temperature. Data spanning over 4 decades, from 1970 –
2013 were obtained from the two stations. Data collected were analyzed and presented in time series.
Results revealed that climatic change have accelerated soil erosion directly through increases in surface air
temperature and decreases in rainfall regimes, and indirectly through changes in vegetation and surface
cover. Furthermore there was an increase in soil and grass temperature that have impacted on soil erosion
through changes in vegetation and soil organic matter. It was suggested that as climate change will continue
in the 21st century and beyond, planting of drought resistance plant such as Pitadeniastrum africanum (kashe
kwari or kafi kansila), can effectively help in gully erosion control.