ECONOMIC IMPACT OF DAM CONSTRUCTION, THE CHALLENGE AND SOLUTION TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF TURA DAM IN MASHIGI VILLAGE, KANKARA L.G.A., KATSINA STATE

^1*Haruna Saleh, ²Kabir Idris and ³Aliyu Ibrahim Kankara.

*Department of Geography, Katsina State University, Kastina Nigeria

E-mail: harunasaleh@gmail.com,

ABSTRACT

The aim of Tura Dam was to provide domestic water supply to Malumfashi and Kankara Towns. The effect of the Dam has brought some laudable environmental challenges and economic gains to the population of Mashigi village. This paper examines those activities during the two periods; before and after the Dam construction. The variables measured therein are information obtained from a checklist method, personal observations, information from official records and informal discussions with the dwellers of Mashigi village. 50 questionnaires were administered to the respondents. The results obtained showed that the construction of Tura Dam has brought losses of farmlands, particularly Fadama holdings, and at the same time expanded fishing production. Farmers’ income has risen. Although construction of Dam has both negative and positive effects, the gains are greater than losses, hence could be a challenge and solution to agricultural productivity in Nigeria.

Keywords: Dam, Pre-Dam period, Post-Dam period.