Accelerated Erosion in the Niger Delta, Nigeria: A Review of Causes, Impacts, and Sustainable Management Strategies

Abstract

The Niger Delta, a region with diverse ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage, is facing significant challenges such as accelerated erosion and environmental degradation. This threatens ecosystems, communities, and sustainable development, leading to land loss, habitat degradation, infrastructure damage, and socio-economic impacts. This study aims to assess the impacts of accelerated erosion, identify drivers and factors contributing to erosion, and explore sustainable management strategies for erosion control and adaptation. The Niger Delta's geomorphology and hydrology are shaped by complex interactions between rivers, tides, sediment dynamics, and human activities. Natural processes, such as riverine erosion and coastal dynamics, and human-induced factors like oil and gas exploration, deforestation, urbanization, poor agricultural practices, uncontrolled dredging and coarse sand excavation contribute to the region's vulnerability to erosion. Addressing accelerated erosion require integrated watershed management (IWM) techniques to prevent erosion and adapt to natural resources. These require involving locals, governmental organizations, and research institutions in governance. Ecosystem-based approaches restore habitats, improve services, and encourage biodiversity conservation. IWM aids sustainable land use planning, water resource management, and community engagement. Erosion control structures and engineering solutions are essential for long-term sustainability and efficacy. Techniques like gabion baskets, retaining walls, revetments, terracing, slope stabilization, and breakwaters support coastal resilience and tourism by preserving beach profiles and stabilizing coasts.

Keywords — Accelerated erosion, Impacts, Sustainable management, Mangrove restoration, Niger

Delta

I. INTRODUCTIO