International Journal of Physical Sciences Vol. 2(3), pp. 038-045, March 2014 ISSN 2331-1827 ©2014 Academe Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluating soil erosion in the Benin metropolis, Edo State, Nigeria

Eseigbe Joseph Omon* and Gbakeji Julius Ogheneruemusua

Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: joe_eses@yahoo.com.

Accepted 3 March, 2014

Abstract

This research study examined the menace of soil erosion in the Benin metropolis. Based on this, the following objectives were analyzed: the causes of soil erosion by water in the Benin metropolis, the type of soil erosion and the management techniques of soil erosion in the Benin metropolis. To meet these objectives, data used for this study were collected from both the primary and secondary sources of data collection. To do this, the metropolitan city of Benin was divided into 12 areal units for easy collection of data. Also, the perception people have regarding soil erosion was sampled. For geologic or normal soil erosion, rainfall factor is the main cause of soil erosion followed by soil character. Whereas, for the accelerated factor of soil erosion, uncontrolled construction especially buildings is the major human factor of soil erosion followed by increased urban land use. The findings and recommendations were made on the need for gully reclamation, erection of retaining walls, use of erosion brakes, land use zoning system and above all construction of side drains and tunnel.

Key words: Climate, rainfall, geologic, factor, evapotranspiration.