Climate Change and Dams Drying: A Case Study of Three Communities in Langtang South of Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

The results of a three year study of the climate change and its effect on dams in three communities in Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State. Nigeria are presented, Low vegetation, high temp of between 39-44c, dams sizes and location as well as the vertical land have been identified as .major factors for drying up of the dams with the attendant hardship in the season and the flooding at the onset of the raining season. Competition between human and livestock for survival during the period of the drought has turned some of the dams into "dams of death" due to contamination by livestock and use of the untreated water by the community. Cases of water borne diseases are reported on a weekly basis. The problems associated with these natural conditions have been shown to have adverse effects on the education, economic,health and family social life of the of the people in these communities. The need for households to have personal rain tanks, pond or reservoir to store water and protect their sources of water from livestock during the dry season has been suggested. the communities are encouraged to plant trees and other vegetation around the dams to prevent flooding during rainy season. It is also suggested that the Local, State and Federal authorities, including Non-Governmental Agencies, should come to the aid of the communities in solving the water crisis and the attendant health implications.