SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FADAMA LANDS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA: A REVIEW OF THE POTENTIALS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

ABSTRACT Attempt war made to review the potentials and challenges of fadama land development in northern Nigeria. In the vast dry lands of northern Nigeria, the fadama is a critical resource because of its relatively high fertility and water retention not only in the dry season but also during the rally protracted dry season Notwithstanding its potentials, however, it appears that widespread fadama development, arir now being pursed under the World Bank-assisted National Fadama Development Project (NFDP) in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Projects, could pose serious long-run sustainability challenges. Environmental degradation, decline in soil fertility, rising cost and perhaps non affordability to farmers of fadama development technologies, and conflicts among different fadama users are same of the challenges that must be addressed Periodic soil and water quality tests, monitoring of ground water table, appropriate choice of crop enterprises as well as definition and enforcement of necessary property rights with respect to fadama resources, are recommended against the sustainability challenges raised.