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.
3.2 Methodology
3.2.1 Research Design
The study adopts a descriptive survey design supported by quantitative
and spatial analysis. The approach combines field data collection (through
questionnaires) with the analysis of climatic and hydrological data
obtained from Kaduna State Water Board, the Nigerian Meteorological
Agency (NIMET) Zaria Station, . This design is appropriate for assessing
the relationship between climate variables and water resource availability
in Zaria LGA.
3.2.2Types and Sources of Data
In order to achieve the aim and objectives of this study, both primary and
secondary data sources were utilized. These sources provided the
information necessary to assess the impacts of climate change on water
resources in Zaria Local Government Area.
[Link] Primary Sources of Data
[Link] Survey:
Structured questionnaires were administered to residents across selected
wards in Zaria L.G.A to collect information on their level of awareness
about climate change, perceived changes in water availability and quality,
and coping strategies adopted to manage water shortages.
Interviews were conducted with key informants such as officials from the
Kaduna State Water Board, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET)
Zaria Station, local environmental officers, and community leaders. These
provided expert and institutional insights on climate change impacts and
adaptation measures.
[Link] Secondary Sources of Data
[Link] Data:
Historical records of rainfall and temperature (covering 30–40 years, e.g.,
1981–2020) were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency
(NIMET), Zaria Station, located at the Nigerian College of Aviation
Technology (NCAT). These data were used to analyze temporal trends in
climate variables.
[Link] and Water Resource Data:
Information on surface and groundwater availability, water supply
systems, and dam storage levels was sourced from the Kaduna State
Water Board, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, and Galma Dam
Management Office.
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 KauraLimancinKona
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 Kaura58729
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:
Where:
n = sample size
N = population size (projected population of selected wards in Zaria LGA
in 2025) =
e = margin of error (assuming 5% margin of error, which is a common
standard) = 0.05
Calculation:
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 population Proportion Percentage
(%)
DutsenAbba 31709 38 9.5
Kaura58729 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
3.2.4 Data Collection Instruments
A structured questionnaire was developed to obtain data on:
[Link]’ awareness of climate change;
[Link] interventions by government and organizations;
[Link] strategies adopted by residents.
Questionnaires included both closed-ended and open-ended items,
supported by interviews.
3.2.5 Data Analysis Techniques
Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical
tools.
[Link] Analysis:
[Link], frequency tables, and charts were used to summarize
demographic data and awareness levels.
[Link] Analysis:
[Link] analysis of rainfall and temperature (1981–2020) was performed
using time-series plots and linear regression to determine long-term
changes.
3.2.6 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.
3.2.7 Ethical Considerations
Participation in the study was voluntary, and respondents were assured of
confidentiality and anonymity. Data collected were used solely for
academic purposes, with due acknowledgment of all secondary data
sources.