The Role of Wetlands in Climate Regulation in Daura Local Government Area, Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study observed the ecological condition, land use practices, and environmental pressures affecting selected wetland ecosystems in Kwarin Sarki, Unguwar Gabasawa, and Kwarin Lugga. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 30 respondents (10 per site), comprising farmers, herders, traditional leaders, government officials, and local community members with knowledge of wetland utilization. Primary data were obtained through structured interviews, field observations, GPS, and soil sampling for organic matter (OM%) analysis. Findings reveal strong livelihood dependence on wetland resources, with farmers (46.7%) and herders (26.7%) forming the majority of respondents. Educational attainment was generally low, suggesting reliance on traditional ecological knowledge in resource management. Biophysical assessment showed clear spatial variation in vegetation condition and soil organic matter. Kwarin Lugga recorded the highest OM% (2.276) and relatively intact riparian vegetation, indicating better ecological stability. Kwarin Sarki exhibited moderate ecosystem resilience (OM% = 2.034), while Unguwar Gabasawa recorded the lowest OM% (1.369), reflecting significant degradation associated with flooding, deforestation, and settlement expansion. Natural stressors such as drought (83%), irregular rainfall (67%), and soil erosion (60%) further compound anthropogenic pressures across the sites.  All the study site are good environment for animal grazing and fishing if the ecological strategic planning is going to be fully maintain.