Geo-Environmental Impacts of Gully Erosion in Ezeoke Nsu, Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

In southeast Nigeria, gully erosion is one of the worst types of land degradation, presenting serious problems for the geoenvironment, the economy, and the infrastructure. Examining the geoenvironmental effects of gully erosion in Ezeoke Nsu, a village in Imo State, southeast Nigeria, where intensive land use practices, high rainfall, and weak geology have made soil loss more common, is the focus of this study. The study used GIS tools, laboratory analysis, field surveys, and soil sampling to determine the extent, causes, and effects of gully erosion in the region. Gully start and expansion are largely caused by unconsolidated sandy soils, steep terrain, and human activities such deforestation, inadequate land management, and unplanned settlements, according to the results.Gully erosion in Ezeoke Nsu has a variety of effects. In terms of the environment, it causes biodiversity loss, disturbance of natural drainage systems, and the loss of fertile topsoil. Gully extension has harmed highways, wrecked farmlands, endangered residential buildings, and made communities more susceptible to flooding. In terms of the economy, it damages agricultural output, lowers household income, uproots families, and fuels food insecurity. Additionally, the community's settlement stability and sustainable development are at long-term risk due to the gullies' ongoing growth.The study comes to the conclusion that in order to lessen the damaging impacts of gully erosion, immediate, integrated erosion control measures—such as reforestation, check dam construction, and appropriate land-use planning—are required. Policymakers, environmental managers, and local stakeholders can utilize the findings to inform the development of sustainable land management plans that safeguard livelihoods and the environment in southeast Nigeria.