Abstract
Red-billed Quelea is a small Sub-Saharan African bird which is also regarded as the most abundant and destructive bird species in the world. These birds are long-distance migrants whose migration is determined by suitable breeding conditions that are influenced by rainfall patterns. In northern Nigeria, Red-billed Quelea birds are abundant especially in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Katsina States. Dange-shuni LGA of Sokoto state has been one of the major areas suffering from Quelea bird attacks. For instance, in August 2022, there were serious attacks of Quelea birds in Dange-Shuni LGA; where crops worth millions of Naira destroyed. Despite the government and farmer’s efforts to reduce the menace of the bird, Red-billed Quelea devastation of crops continues to be one of the major challenges that militating food security in the area. This research assesses the effect of the Red-billed Quelea invasion on agricultural production in the area. Data were collected from sample of 360 respondents in eight purposively selected villages using questionnaire, which was selected based on the severity of the incident. The result were analyzed using descriptive statistics, qualitative analysis and the inferential statistics (paired sample t-test). Moreover, Key Informant Interview (KII) was conducted for more information on governmental efforts and planning towards ending the menace of the Quelea bird in the state. The stakeholders were interviewed included staff from the Ministry of Agriculture, and some leaders from the All Farmers Association (AFAN), Sokoto state chapter. However, possible recommendation will be made based on the empirical findings.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
EFFECTS, RED BILLED QUELEA, AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, DANGE SHUNI LGA, NIGERIA
