Assessing the Impact of Unsustainable Sand Mining on the Morphology of Kanawa Stream, Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Kanawa stram is ephemeral and carry a significant load of sand and sediment during flow. The sediment sand is of high quality for construction, and therefore exploited heavily for sand extraction.This study assessed the impacts of unsustainable sand mining on stream morphology in Kanawa Stream, Gombe State, Nigeria. Tthe research combined field surveys, participatory observations, and administered structured questionnaire to 200 respondents across five mining villages. Likert scaling quantified perceptions of morphological impacts, while chi-square analysis tested relationships between mining activities and stream degradation. Findings revealed extensive morphological alterations with an overall mean Likert score of 3.78, exceeding the criterion mean of 3.0. The most pronounced effects included increased depth and width (mean=3.91), channel incision (mean=3.83), desiltation (mean=3.79), temporary sandpit formation (mean=3.79), altered flow direction (mean=3.74), and riparian vegetation destruction (mean=3.64). Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between unsustainable mining and morphological degradation (χ² = 41.96 > 31.40, df =20, p<0.05). The study concludes that extraction rates far exceed natural replenishment, triggering channel instability, sediment imbalance, habitat destruction, and compromised water quality. These impacts threaten aquatic biodiversity and community livelihoods dependent on the stream for irrigation and domestic water. Persistent illegal mining and weak regulatory enforcement perpetuate the crisis. Recommended interventions include enforcing a 1.6-meter extraction limit using GPS/drone surveillance, riparian restoration, promoting manufactured sand alternatives, community-managed cooperatives, continuous monitoring, and public awareness campaigns. Without urgent action, ecological collapse endangers biodiversity and riparian community well-being.