Assessment of the Environmental Impact of Shiroro Dam in Selected Communities Downstream in Niger State.

Abstract

The environmental impact of reservoirs comes under ever increasing scrutiny at the global demand for water and energy increases and the number and size of reservoirs increases. The aim of the study is to assess the environmental impact of shiroro dam in some communities of downstream location. Primary date were collected through questionnaires and secondary data from hydrological unit of shiroro dam. The descriptive statistics techniques were employed for data analysis. The findings of this study shows that outflow is increasing despite the fluctuation and this process is affecting agricultural and social activities of the inhabitats’ of downstream location of shiroro dam. It reveals the negative effect of shiroro dam on fishing in the study area as 72% of the respondents said the dam has reduced their fishing activities. There is also a considerable loss of flora and fauna in the study area, loss of forest rank the highest with 51%. The study also shows clearly the negative impact of flood on crops and farmlands. Based on the findings of this study, proper channelization of downstream outflow as well as communities’ participation in dam management were recommended among others.