Water quality index of Kolo Creek, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The Kolo Creek was assessed to determine the impact of human activities on the water quality using the Water Quality Index. Water samples were collected from six sample sites (A-F) during the dry and wet seasons and assessed for physicochemical and biological parameters. Results from the study showed a mean e-coli level of 39.83±2.93 (Cfu); mean pH of 7.23±0.37 in the dry season and 6.78±0.18 for the wet season; and mean DO levels of 7.58±1.00mg/l during the dry season and 9.29±2.67mg/l during the wet season indicating that the Kolo Creek was biologically polluted but physicochemical potable for domestic use. However, combined physicochemical and biological classification with the water quality index ranked the creek water as medium (Class III) and not good for consumption. The water quality index was affirmed as a good single measure of water quality.Keywords: Water Quality, Water Quality Index, Kolo Creek, Niger Delt

Opportunity costs of forest conservation in Wilberforce Island, Niger Delta, Nigeria

The objectives of this study is to assess the acceptability and opportunity cost of forest conservation program as well as the impact of alternative source of income on forest conservation in the Wilberforce Island. Data were obtained from five communities through self-administered questionnaires and analysed as Proportions and ranked. Results showed that only 40.8% of the population favoured forest conservation, while 51.2% rejected forest conservation. However, when asked if forest conservation program would be accepted if an alternative source of income, equivalent to the net present value of forest conservation was provided, 64.0% of the respondents accepted forest conservation. In spite of increased acceptance of forest conservation following the provision of an alternative source of income, only 46.4% of the respondents believed this would help in preventing further deforestation in the Wilberforce Island. An assessment of the income level of respondents showed an average monthly income of ₦33,640.00 (₦403,680.00/$1,122.00 @₦360.00/$ per annum). For farmers and loggers, average monthly income was ₦23,648.00 (₦283,776.00/$788.00 per annum) and ₦46,577.00 (₦558,924.00/$1,553.00 per annum). This income level was estimated to be the opportunity cost of forest conservation in the Wilberforce Island. It was concluded that additional measures and an alternative income higher than currently earned can make forest conservation possible in the area.Keywords: Forest Conservation, deforestation, opportunity cost, Wilberforce Islan

Effects of Seasonal Characteristics of Kolo Creek Flooding on Farm-Plot Sizes in Central Niger Delta, Nigeria

Perennial flooding is a known environmental hazard in many parts of the Niger Delta. Concern about flooding increases when places of importance to man, such as farmlands and settlements, and food supply systems are affected. This study assessed the effect of Seasonal Characteristics of Kolo Creek flooding on farm-plot sizes and crop production during the flood and non – flood seasons. A direct contact survey methodology was employed to measure farm-plot sizes and their extent of inundation during flood and non – flood seasons, and 400 randomly selected farmers along the Kolo Creek, Central Niger Delta were interviewed with a semi – structured questionnaire. Results from the study showed a mean farm-plot size of 0.51±0.00 (Ha) during the non-flood period and 0.10±0.00 (Ha) during the flood period. The results obtained from the study also indicated that only 20.93% of the farm-plots available during the non – flood period was available for farming during the flood period; more than half of the farmlands of about 88.50% of the farmers was seasonally inundated by flood and only 1.75% of the farmers had less than half of the farmlands under the floodwaters. Although farmers adapted by owning many – but – small farm-plots, they cultivated only a few varieties of crops, most of which were not flood tolerant. The study concluded that Kolo Creek flooding greatly reduced farm-plot sizes and therefore recommended the planting of more flood-tolerant crops to maximize use of land and improve crop productivity in the area. Keywords: Seasonal flooding, farm-plot sizes, Kolo Creek, Niger Delt