THE EFFECTS OF LIVESTOCK GRAZING ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC LIVELIHOODS OF THE COMMUNITIES ALONG THE RIPARIAN OF RIVER BENUE, ADAMAWA STATE NIGERIA

The study analyses the socioeconomic consequences of grazing in the riparian of River Benue in Adamawa State of Nigeria on the livelihood of its communities. It utilizes survey involving 232 respondents selected randomly from the communities along the riparian area. Data was collected by administering questionnaires to the respondents, while descriptive statistics and Pearson?s correlation were used in analyzing the data. The findings revealed a strong negative relationship at (r = 0.852, p < 0.05), which indicates a negative implication on the sustainability of socio-economic activities among communities situated along River Benue. The study reveals that grazing along the banks of River Benue has affected the socio-economy of the riparian communities which include decrease in habitat for fish production, decrease in wild foods and medicinal plants, decrease in cultural and recreational potentials etc. The study further reveals disparity in the socio-economic effects of grazing on the livelihoods of the riparian in the upper and lower section of the river.