CHAPTER THREE

STUDY AREA AND METHODOLOGY

3.1 Study Area

3.1.1 Location and Size

Zaria Local Government Area (LGA) is located between latitude 10°57′30″ and

11°07′30″ North of the Equator and longitude 7°37′30″ and 7°47′30″ East of the

Greenwich Meridian. It lies in the northern part of Kaduna State, about 70 kilometers

north of Kaduna, the state capital. Zaria is bounded by Sabon Gari LGA to the south,

Soba LGA to the east, Giwa LGA to the west, and Igabi LGA to the north (Suleiman

et al., 2022).

The total land area of Zaria LGA is approximately 563 square kilometers, comprising

several communities such as Samaru, Tudun Wada, GRA, Wusasa, Kwarbai,

Limancin Kona, Kaura, and Tukur-Tukur, which are the key population and activity

centers.
Figure 3.1.2 Map of Zaria LGA

Source: Administrative map of Kaduna State, 2025.

3.1.3 Climate

Zaria LGA lies within the Northern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria, characterized by

a tropical continental climate governed by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone

(ITCZ). The area experiences two distinct seasons — the wet season (May to

October) and the dry season (November to April).

Average annual rainfall ranges from 900 mm to 1,200 mm, with a unimodal rainfall

pattern that peaks between July and August. The mean annual temperature is about

27°C, with daily variations ranging from 14°C during the cool season (December–

January) to over 36°C during the hot season (March–May).

Recent climatic observations indicate increasing temperature trends and irregular

rainfall distribution, consistent with national climate change patterns (Garuba et al.,

2021). These changes have contributed to declining surface water levels, reduced

groundwater recharge, and seasonal water scarcity, particularly in peri-urban

settlements (Abubakar et al., 2024).

3.1.4 Geology and Soil

The geology of Zaria LGA is dominated by the Precambrian Basement Complex

rocks, consisting mainly of granite, gneiss, and schist formations. These rocks are

highly weathered and fractured, forming moderate aquifers that store and transmit

groundwater (Uduma, 2019). The weathering profiles of these rocks give rise to

lateritic soils, which are sandy-loam in texture and moderately drained.

The soils are generally fertile but fragile, with high susceptibility to erosion, leaching,

and compaction when exposed. The topography of the area — a gently undulating

terrain — promotes surface runoff during heavy rainfall, which affects both soil

conservation and groundwater recharge processes.

3.1.5 Relief and Drainage

The relief of Zaria LGA lies between 600 and 800 meters above sea level,

characterized by undulating plains and scattered hills. The area is drained primarily by

the Galma River, a major tributary of the Kaduna River, which flows southward and

supplies water for domestic and agricultural use.

The Galma Dam, constructed in the 1970s, serves as a key water supply source for

Zaria city, Sabon Gari, and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU). However, the dam faces
increasing sedimentation, reduced capacity, and seasonal water shortages due to

rainfall variability and catchment degradation (Butu et al., 2013). Other drainage

channels include the Kubanni, Basawa, and Tudun Wada streams, which experience

high fluctuations between wet and dry seasons.

3.1.6 Vegetation

Zaria’s vegetation is typical of the Northern Guinea Savanna, consisting of short

grasses, shrubs, and scattered trees such as Isoberlinia doka, Parkia biglobosa, and

Vitellaria paradoxa. However, deforestation, urbanization, and overgrazing have led

to extensive vegetation degradation, leaving behind a mosaic of cultivated fields and

sparse tree cover.

Vegetation plays a vital role in protecting watersheds and reducing runoff and

erosion, but its decline has intensified the impacts of climate change on soil moisture

retention and water quality.

3.1.7 Population and Socio-economic Activities

According to the 2006 National Population Census, Zaria LGA had a population of

406,990, projected to exceed 900,000 by 2025 based on a 2.6% annual growth rate

(NPC, 2009). The area is predominantly inhabited by the Hausa-Fulani, with Islam as

the major religion.

Economic activities include farming, trading, education, transportation, and small-

scale manufacturing. A large proportion of residents depend on rain-fed agriculture

and surface water bodies for their livelihoods, making them highly vulnerable to the

effects of climate change and water scarcity.

3.1.7 Environmental Hazards/Challenges

Zaria faces several environmental challenges including soil erosion, deforestation,

overgrazing, and declining soil fertility (Obi & Ugwu, 2017). Urban expansion and

unsustainable agricultural practices have contributed to land degradation. These

challenges diminish soil organic carbon, but sustainable techniques like agroforestry,

controlled grazing, and conservation tillage can reverse degradation and enhance

carbon storage. Indeed, agroforestry systems across Nigeria have demonstrated

substantial carbon stocks both in biomass and soils (Nwoko et al., 2024)

3.2 Methodology

.3.2.1 Reconnaissance Survey

A reconnaissance survey was conducted across selected wards of Zaria L.G.A—

namely Samaru, Tudun Wada, Kaura, Wusasa, and Gyallesu—to gain a preliminary

understanding of water sources, distribution systems, and community experiences

related to climate change. During the survey, observations were made on water

collection points, boreholes, wells, rivers, and dams. The survey also helped in

identifying key informants such as community leaders, water board officials, and

local residents, which guided the design of the questionnaire and sampling strategy.

3.2.2 Types and Sources of Data

Types of Data

Only primary data is used to achieved the objectives

a. Primary Data:

i. Residents’ awareness and perception of climate change.

ii. Local coping and adaptation strategies to climate change impacts.
iii. Institutional and governmental responses to water-related challenges.

3.2.3 Data Collection Method

To ensure comprehensive coverage, both quantitative and qualitative methods were

employed.

i. Questionnaire Administration:

Structured questionnaires were distributed to residents in selected wards to obtain

information on:

a. Awareness of climate change and its effects.

b. Local coping and adaptation strategies.

c. Institutional support and interventions.

The questionnaire consisted of both closed-ended and open-ended questions, designed

to allow both statistical analysis and in-depth opinions.

ii. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs):

Interviews were conducted with water resource officials, local government staff,

NIMET officers, and community leaders to gather expert and policy-level insights on

climate and water resource management.

3.2.4 Data Analysis

Data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and statistical techniques with the

aid of Microsoft Excel and SPSS (version 20).

 Objective 1: Assess residents’ awareness of climate change – analyzed using

frequency distributions and percentages.

Objective 2: Examine institutional and government interventions – analyzed

through content analysis and descriptive summaries.

Objective 3: Identify coping strategies – analyzed using weighted means and

Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank adaptation measures.

3.2.3 Sample size and sampling techniques

The population of Zaria LGA which consist of the following wards (Dambo,

Dutsenabba, Gyallesu, Kaura, Kufena, Kwarbai A, Kwarbai B, Limancin-kona, Tudun

Wada, Tukur-tukur, Unguwan Fatika, Unguwan juma, and Wucicciri) was based on

the 1991 census data obtained from the Nigerian population Commission (NPC),

which has a population of 404,138. The projected population was arranged in

alphabetical order based on wards, systematic sampling technique was employed; the

even numbers were selected from the wards, this is to ensure a good representative

fraction and avoid bias as shown in table 3 below.

Using the Exponential Growth Model to project 1991 population to 2025;

Exponential Growth Model formula is given as;

Pₜ = P₀ × e^(r × t)

Where:

Pₜ = projected population
P₀ = population in base year (1991)

r = annual growth rate Nigeria’s growth rate around 1991–2025 is approximately

2.5% per year according to UN data)

t = number of years between base year and projected year (2025-1991 = 34)

Therefore;

Growth rate = e0.025 x34 =2.34

Table 3.1: Wards and Sample Size for the Study

Sampled Wards 1991 Population Data 2025 Projected
Population

Dambo 12,526 29,306

DutsenAbba 13,553 31,709
Gyallesu 31,432 73,538
Kaura 25,102 58,729
Kufena 17,073 39,944
KwarbaiA 25,654 60,020
KwarbaiB 69,765 163,222
LimancinKona 35,767 83,680
TudunWada 65,987 154,383
Tukur-Tukur 20,438 47,817
UnguwanFatika 42,121 98,546
UnguwanJuma 21,720 50,816
Wuciciciri 23,000 53,811
Total 404,138 945,521
Source: NPC (1991)
Table 3.2: Table of Selected Wards
 S/N List of all wards Selected wards
1 Dambo DutsenAbba
2 DutsenAbba Kaura
3 Gyallesu KwarbaiA
4 Kaura LimancinKona
5 Kufena Tukur-Tukur
6 KwarbaiA UnguwanJuma
7 KwarbaiB
8 LimancinKona
9 TudunWada
10 Tukur-Tukur
11 UnguwanFatika
12 UnguwanJuma
13 Wuciciciri
Table 3.2: Table of Selected Wards
Source: Author’s compilation, 2025

Table 3.3: Selected Wards

S/N Wards Projected 2025

Population
1 Dutsen Abba 31709
2 Kaura 58729
3 Kwarbai A 60020
4 Limancin Kona 83680
5 Tukur-Tukur 47817
6 Unguwan Juma 50816
TOTAL 332,771
Source: Author’s compilation, 2025

To calculate the sample size for this study, Yamane's (1967) formula was used. The
formula is given as:

N
n= 2
1+ N ( e )
Where:

n = sample size

N = population size (projected population of selected wards in Zaria LGA in 2025) =

332,771
e = margin of error (assuming 5% margin of error, which is a common standard) =

0.05

Calculation:

332,771
n=
(1+332,771(0.05)¿¿ 2)¿
¿ 399.75
By using Yamane's formula, the sample size for this study is approximately 400.

Thus, the sample size for this study is approximately 400 respondents across six (6)

selected ward in the study area. Therefore, questionnaires will be administered by the

researcher to 400 respondents through proportionate sampling of the six (6) selected

wards as shown in table 3.4 below.

Selected wads 2025 projected Proportion Percentage (%)

population

DutsenAbba 31709 38 9.5

Kaura 58729 71 17.8

KwarbaiA 60020 72 18.0

LimancinKona 83680 101 25.3

Tukur-Tukur 47817 57 14.3

UnguwanJuma 50816 61 15.3

Total 332,771 400 100

Source: Author’s compilation, 2025

3.2.3 Data Collection Instruments

A structured questionnaire was developed to obtain data on:

i. Residents’ awareness of climate change;

ii. Institutional interventions by government and organizations;

iii. Coping strategies adopted by residents.

Questionnaires included both closed-ended and open-ended items, supported by

interviews.

3.2.4 Data Analysis Techniques

Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools.

i. [Link] Analysis:

ii. Percentages, frequency tables, and charts were used to summarize demographic

data and awareness levels.

iii. [Link] Analysis:

iv. Trend analysis of rainfall and temperature (1981–2020) was performed using

time-series plots and linear regression to determine long-term changes.

3.2.5 Validity and Reliability of Instruments

To ensure data reliability, the questionnaire was reviews from supervisors.

Adjustments were made to improve clarity, language, and question relevance before

final administration.