Izuchukwu C. Onu
Best Management practices, climate change effects, sustainability, Drainage basin
Anambra state is well endowed with water resources and is well drained with a close network of Lakes Rivers and streams. The state's water problems include inadequate planning and management of the water resources. Water Resources Management aims at optimizing the available natural water flows, including surface water and groundwater, to satisfy the competing needs. Issues associated with climate change will increase the complexity of managing water resources. Agho Mili drainage basin runs across three local Government Areas of Anambra state. Geologically, it lies on top of a shaley Formation (Imo Shale), flanked on both sides by a sandstone Formation (Nanka Sands). The Changes in the climate has introduced a shorter rainy season with very heavy rainfall in the state with attendant flooding, silting, sediment transport, food shortage and erosion. People living around the Agho Mili drainage basin include farmers, civil servants as well as business men and women. The potentials of the Drainage basin in solving water resource problems in the area were studied using satellite images, topographic maps, and geophysical surveys. The survey results shows that the dept to the underlying shale varies from 6.2 meters to 51.3 meters; also that heavy flood and sediment transport are generated from the hinterland flowing through the major tributaries into Agho Mili River. The study then designs the best management practices for the basin area for flood harvesting technique and control erosion during rainy season. It also developed a strategy for the banks of Agho Mili River up to 1500 meters away at Akpu, Ezira, Umunze and Ndiowu for irrigation and fisheries development.
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