Typha Grass Militating Against Agricultural Productivity Along Hadejia River, Jigawa State, Nigeria Sabo, B.B.1*, Karaye, A.K.2, Garba, A.3 and Ja'afar, U.4

Full Length Research Paper Typha Grass Militating Against Agricultural Productivity along Hadejia River, Jigawa State, Nigeria Sabo, B.B.1*, Karaye, A.K.2, Garba, A.3 and Ja'afar, U.4

Jigawa Research Institute, PMB 5015, Kazaure, Jigawa State

Accepted 21 May, 2016

This research work tries to examine the socioeconomic impact of typha grass in some parts of noth eastern Jigawa State, Nigeria. For better understanding of the field conditions with regards to the impact of the grass on the socioeconomy of the area (agriculture, fishing and the livelihood pattern), three hundred (300) questionnaires were designed and administered, out of which only two hundred and forty six (246) were returned. Findings from the questionnaire survey of some communities along river Hadejia show that, there is general reduction in the flow of water in the river channel over the last few years. This was attributed to blockages by typha grass and silt deposits within the river channel. There is also reduced or loss of cultivation of some crops particularly irrigated crops such as maize, rice, wheat and vegetables, fishing activities in the area is also affected by the grass. Moreover, communities have tried communal and individual manual clearance of the typha, while Jigawa State and Federal Governments are also carrying out mechanical clearance work in the channel. All these efforts have little impact.

Key words: Typha grass, Irrigated crops, Hadejia River.

INTRODUCTION

Typha grass, also known as cattail, is a plant locally importantly, irrigated lands, ponds, grazing lands, river refered to as “Kachala” by the people living around the channels and reservoirs, causing blockages by the grass Hadejia – Nguru wetland area. (Akinsola, 2000).Typha and siltation aided by the grass (Ramsar Swiss Grant grass is suspected to have invaded Nigerian inland Report for Africa, 2006). The plant produces vast wetlands from East Africa. The genus has a largely quantities of long lived and persistent seeds which can Northern Hemisphere distribution, but is essentially out – crop even after some dry spans, thus, re- cosmopolitan. The most widespread species is Typha emergence of typha is very rapid after each removal. latifolia, found throughout most of North America, Europe, These phenomenons make the spread of this weed fast Asia and Africa. T. angustifolia is nearly as widespread, and difficult to control (Abdullahi, 2007). Out of the but does not extend so far north. T. domingenis is a more 10,000km2 of Hadejia river basin within Jigawa State, southerly American species, extending from the US to 1,000km2 are exposed to temporary flooding and siltation, South America, and it is also found in Africa, while T. with serious ecological repercussion and detrimental laxmannii, T. minima and T. shuttleworthii are largely economic and social impact. Reason to these annual restricted to Asia and parts of southern Europe (Duke, flood seem to lie on the blockage of channels by typha 1998, Gould 1975). According to Harrington 1964, Uchytil grass, growing rapidly and taking over farmlands, fishing 1992, and Welsh et al., 1987, T. capensis (formerly T. ponds, canals, reservoirs in Hadejia and Nguru, Yobe latifolia) and T. domingenis (formerly T. australis) are the State (Gomes, et al.,2003). two African Typha species. Most of the communities Most of the areas covered by typha fall within the along Hadejia River are currently embattled with critical areas that are best suitable for flood rice farming proliferation of typha grass, which is colonizing most and recession farming. These are the margins of lakes and swamps of slow moving water where the soils do not dry out completely. The grass colonizes these areas very quickly due to the wide and efficient dispersal of seeds by *Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected]. wind and water movement (Akinsola, 2000). Sabo et al., 53

Statement of the Research Problem Socio-economic of the people in the study area. Three hundred (300) respondents were issued with Typha is a serious problem threatening the sustainability questionnaire (Appendix), fifty (50) questionnaire was of the whole irrigation scheme. Over 80% of the main distributed in each of the six (6) villages. Relevant canal and other water distributary channels were documents from Jigawa Enhancement of Wetland overtaken by this type of weed, thereby blocking the free Livelihoods office (JEWEL), Hadejia Jama’are River flow of water in to the irrigation fields (Haruna, 2006). Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Hadejia Emirate North eastern Jigawa State is currently embattled with Development Association (HEDA), Coalition for Change proliferation of an invasive typha grass which is C4C (DFID), Integrated Water Resources Management colonizing most importantly, irrigated lands, ponds, committee (IWRM), Federal and State Ministries of grazing lands, river channels and reservoirs, causing Environment and other stakeholders in the area were blockages by the grass and siltation aided by the grass. reviewed. The people are currently living in abject poverty and apprehension in fear of what to do next. Some communities are planning to migrate to either Niger RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Republic or Chad following what they regard to as the failure of the Government to rescue their farmlands from Presence of Typha grass in the area invasion by typha grass, which they describe as the most dreadful threat to their source of livelihood (Hadejia Majority of the people (74%) in the sampled villages Emirate Development Association, HEDA, 2004). argue that, Typha grass was first noticed in the area in Twenty years ago, waters of the River Hadejia and 1970’s, whereas 21.2% contend that, it was noticed in Jama’are seasonally flooded their intricate network of 1980’s.This corresponds with the work of Hamza, 2007, smaller river channels, providing fish ponds and fadamas JWL, 2004, in Hadejia – Komadugu River basin, who in abundance as productive resources for fishermen, reported that, Typha grass was first noticed in the area in farmers and livestock rearers. It is on record that fish 1972. While majority of the people in the area are in the catches from Hadejia – Nguru wetlands contributed about opinion that, the coming of the Typha grass which dries 6% of the annual national income of inland fish sales in away and make water movement difficult was caused by Nigeria. Today, it provides only 0.6%. Cultivation of water and air movement, some believe that, it was wheat, maize and vegetables brought local fadama brought to the area as a result of introduction of wheat farmers an average income of nearly N10,000 per cultivation in the area, while some people argue that, the season (equivalent to roughly US$114) a decade ago, coming of Typha grass was a curse from God in order to but now brings barely N2,000 (US$14) even after purnish the people for disobedience. This contradicts with investment in fadama development technology. Rice the work of Hamza (2007) in the Hadejia – Komadugu production, which rapidly expanded in the wetlands basin, which reported that, Typha grass was brought during the mid 90’s as a lucrative form of dry season about by the activities of environmental conservationists flood recession farming, has dwindled in recent years to for the purpose of using the grass to preserve invisibility (The Ramsar Swiss Grant for Africa, Report for endangered birds that have migrated to Africa from 2006). Europe. He added that, the endangered migrant’s birds The need to carry out this research work stems from which landed in the area in the 1970’s became visible the fact that, the plant (typha grass) presence in the when the Typha grass appeared in the water. wetland has markedly interfere with the utilization of Anonymous (2007), reported that, the Typha grass grow water and land resources. This inhibits agricultural in the area naturally and moves along with running development and expansion of same which is the primary waters just like the stubborn hyacinth, a kind of bulbous occupation of the inhabitants. The aim of this study is to perennial herbs which is found in lagoons and creeks in examine the impact of typha grass on the socioeconomy Lagos, some Northern States and South Western part of of some communities along river Hadejia, Jigawa state Nigeria. Typha grass is suspected to have invaded and identify feasible strategies to ameliorate the negative Nigerian inland wetlands from East Africa. This aquatic impact and improve on the positive ones. has become a problem in the last 15 years in the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands and the water resources of the Komadugu-Yobe Basin (Nigeria Conservation MATERIAL AND METHODS Foundation; Country Report on Invasive Alien Species in Nigeria, 2004). Hadejia river basin is a 6,000km2 large environment of low resilience, localized between latitude 120 00to 130 Impact of Typha grass on the Productivity of 00N and longitude 100 00’to 100 35’E, (Gomes, et al., Farmlands 2003). The study seeks to find out through questionnaire administration, the impact of typha grass on the Data obtained shows that, there is reduced or complete Scholarly J. Agric. Sci. 54

loss of cultivation of some crops, particularly irrigated area. These NGO’s helps in channel clearance, raise crops such as maize, wheat, rice and vegetables in all awareness for the people to engage in communal efforts the areas. This situation is worst in Guri area, where and also funds some proposals by the communities. many farmers reported that, before the emergence of Some of these NGO’s operating in the area include; Typha grass in the area, they recorded 200bags of rice in Jigawa Wetlands Project (JWL), Nigeria Conservation 10hectare, and now only 45 – 55 bags where recorded in Foundation (NCF), Hadejia – Nguru Wetland project the same piece of land. (HNWP), Coalition for Change C4C ( a DFID project), This corresponds with the work of HEDA, 2004 and IUCN ROCA, LCBC/GEF project, Ramsar Swiss Grant, Ramsar Swiss Grant Report, 2006, which reported that, Komadugu Yobe basin Development Initiative, and Typha grass has taken over farmlands, which Hadejia – Komadugu –Yobe basin trust Fund. consequently lead to the reduction in harvest from Moreover, there is also the presence of some farmlands. Government agencies in the area, these include; Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Hadejia Jama’are river Socioeconomic Use of Typha grass in the area Basin Development Authority, Federal and State Integrated Water Resources Management Committees The presence of large quantity of Typha grass in the area and Jigawa State Ministry of Environment. Right now the has provokes challenge of finding a use of it by the local Federal Government of Nigeria is clearing the channels people. Results of the study shows that, in all the using machines. sampled villages, typha grass is used for thatching, roofing huts, as firewood for cooking, use leaves to cover Other effects of Typha grass in the area kola nuts, and use for construction of local storage facility (Rumbu). This corresponds with the work of Tyler and People in the area argue that, Typha grass harbors birds, Walters, (2002), which reported that,typha species are snakes and mosquitoes. More than 30% of cereal crops harvested today in Britain for thatching They were once by the communities are consumed by quella birds. In harvested for fuel where better sources were unavailable most of the villages, many people spend day in the farm and may hold promise as an energy crop in the future scaring away birds. In Hadin village some respondents (Hepper,1968). reported that, during 2007 season they recorded less than a quarter of the expected harvest, and they Impact of the grass on Fishing attributed this to quella birds invading their farm. There are few species recognized as prolific and invasive in the The impact of blockage caused by Typha grass has animal world, the most commonly mentioned being resulted in reduced flow of water in the area. This has locusts and grasshoppers. Quelea quelea, of which there consequently results in reduction of fish catch in the area. have been large populations these past few years should This corresponds with the work of JWL, 2004, in the area, be added to these arthropod insects. The proliferation of which reported that, the average fish catch, fishermen per this species is often associated with the development of day has reduced from 3-4 basins (worth over N1, 000 per Typha australis which provides them with an ideal day) to just half a basin of catch per day.Also, most medium for protection and reproduction (Ouedraogo, people in the area reported that, there is reduction in fish 2003). species. This corresponds with the work of Uchytl (1992), who Moreover, fishermen in the entire sampled village reported that, the edges are occasionally used for nesting revealed that, though fish catch has reduced, but, the habitat for snowy egrets, black crowned night herons and size of the fishes is bigger when compared with the size yellow headed black birds. Even upland songbirds will before the emergence of Typha, this might probably use fluff from the flowers to line their nests. A few species because, Typha grass provides hiding ground for fishes. such as deer use the stands for escape cover. Respondents also pointed out that, they are suffering Efforts Made to Control Typha from lack of irrigation water due to the blockage of main channels distributing water to their areas, while others In all the sampled villages, communal efforts have been are facing serious all year round flooding during rainy made to clear channels manually and construction of season, all as a result of blockage by Typha grass and local dykes by the people to prevent flooding which pose siltation aided by the grass. For example in Dabar Magini threat to their settlement. The Jigawa State government village, flooding has taken over farmlands. Some did some mechanical excavation work and also construct respondents attributed the low production of crops, large sand embankments to protect the communities particularly rice to excessive flooding. This corresponds against flood. The communities also mentioned that, local with the work of Akinsola, 2000, JEWEL, 2003, JEWEL, Governments give them assistance in the form of bags 2007, Haruna 2006 and Uchytl, 1992 in Hadejia – used for dyke construction. There is also the presence of Komadugu – Yobe basin, which reported that, excessive some Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) in the flooding caused by blockage of river channels and Sabo et al., 55

siltation has lead to adverse consequences of low understanding of its ecology within the system. The role productivity of crops particularly rice. JEWEL, 2004, of typha in the wetlands as it is now has to be added that, in some cases such as in Zugo, Kabak understood. Also the ecological strategies and adaptation Maguwa and Kasaga villages in the area, more than 90% of the plant as well as the environmental consequences of lands hitherto used for cultivation and or grazing have of controlling typha and of the use of a particular control been overtaken by flood. measures has to be understood. Many societies now benefit or depend on large number of alien species as food, medicine or raw materials for CONCLUSION industry. For example Typha have provided people with building materials. The dried leaves were often woven The floodplains along Hadejia- Jama'are river produce an into furniture and mats, and their pulp and fibers can be agricultural surplus in most years (particularly of rice and made into paper and string. Native people in Tasmania vegetables), and support a substantial population at used the hollow stems to make rafts, jewelry, baskets relatively high levels of nutrition and income. Floodplains and light spears (Australian National Botanic Garden, provide a vital element in the pastoral economies of 2003). Typha species are harvested today in Britain for Fulani who move into them in search of grazing in the dry thatching (Tyler and Walters, 2002). They were once season. Floodplains are also important sources of fish. harvested for fuel where better sources were unavailable Hadejia floodplain wetlands facilitate and support the and may hold promise as an energy crop in the future productive economy over an area far beyond their own (Hepper, 1968). Throughout the world, the stems have borders, and are important elements within both the local been used for building materials, lattice work, baskets and national economies. The economy and ecology of and mats. Early in the growing season, common reed is the the Hadejia- Jama'are floodplain are threatened with high quality forage for cattle and horses and may be cut proliferation of an invasive typha grass which is for hay. colonizing most irrigated lands, ponds, grazing lands, Based on the above reasons, attempt to develop the river channels and reservoirs, causing blockages by the plant for cattle feed is hereby recommended. The cut grass and siltation aided by the grass. plant should be chopped up and mixed with molasses The people are currently living in abject poverty, before being given to animals. This has been tried in because, the plant presence in the area has markedly Mauritania and was successful. interfere with the utilization of water and land resources. Various mechanical methods of control have been This inhibits agricultural development and expansion of devised; the most successful consists of regular cutting same which is the primary occupation of the inhabitants. and subsequent maintenance of 15 to 18 inches of water The consequences of these have been, loss of above the cut stalks. This method was successfully farmlands, fish, grazinglands etc, leading to migration employed in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area of New and increased poverty in the basin. Recent studies South TVales for many years, and was successful. indicate that the level or gravity of poverty in the area has Jigawa State, Federal Governments, NGO’s and the increased to about ten folds in the last five years communities involve should join hands to remove this (JEWEL, 2003). Many researchers conducted on the weed through mechanical means, it was successful else socioeconomic impact of Typha grass have indicated where, and it may probably be the same in Jigawa State. that, Typha infestation prevents easy and safe withdrawal These collaborative efforts have to a large extent proven of water from the river. Such stands also provide a quite successful in Mauritania and have in some cases congenial habitat for snakes, and a breeding ground for completely freed their water bodies, food and cash crops mosquito that transmit malaria. It is also the home of and fishery resources from the scourge of these typha poisonous reptiles and quella birds and the local invasion and thus from socio-economic decline, ill-health, population is, of course, fearful of this danger. This unemployment and poverty. invasive aquatic plant reduce the flow of water in the In recent years, alternatives to chemical control of irrigation canals by a contraction in the available space aquatic weeds have been sought for both economic and and acceleration of frictional resistance to the flow, thus environmental reasons. One of the most promising expediting a sedimentation process in the infrastructures biological control agents has been the grass carp or white (Fall et al. 2003). Fisheries are threatened, and rice amur (Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.). The grass carp has paddies, which depend on a good irrigation system, are been used in Kansas since 1977 in State Fishing Lakes successively invaded, reducing the agricultural yield (Fall and became legal in neighboring Missouri in 1980 1998). (Mathews, 1978; Haas, 1982). Therefore, grass carp do have some potential for biological control of Typha grass. In any situation where herbicides could not be used and RECOMMENDATION mechanical control is impractical, grass carp may provide a reasonable alternative. More research into this aspect The management of typha grass in the area requires the of grass carp use seems in order. Carp have been used Scholarly J. Agric. Sci. 56

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