EFFECT OF SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION ON HUMAN SETTLEMENT USING GIS IN ZURU METROPOLIS, ZURU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KEBBI STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

Gully erosion is the most visible and devastating form of soil erosion known to be one of the leading causes of land degradation worldwide. Landscape design is one of the techniques used in combating this problem. The objective of this study is to review the use of landscape design in controlling gully erosion a "Bio-Structural" approach to erosion and slope stability problems; i.e., incorporating planned vegetational elements in Architectural designs, which can be less expensive, more effective, and more adaptable than purely structural solutions. Vegetation should be used in conjunction with geo- textiles and engineered structures whenever appropriate and practical. The method used is a review of academic articles, conference papers, internet materials, textbooks and publicly available materials on landscape design and gully erosion. The results of this study indicated that previous authors whose works were reviewed have a convergent view that the use of vegetative approach, an aspect to landscape design, must be practiced for effective control of gullies, however, previous authors have divergent views on the use of structural approach, another aspect to landscape design, for control of gully erosion. Recommendations of this study include: Planting of a combination of woody trees and grasses; Use of some locally accessible structures for example, sieve structures; and Practice of agro forestry.