The Role of GIS-based Simulation Models for a Sustainable Integrated Watershed Management in Nigeria: An Appraisal

The whole of Nigeria is well drained and as such, watershed bound; plagued by extreme environmental conditions (e.g. drought, flooding, erosion, etc.), coupled with a highly increasing population that are completely dependent on the watershed for their livelihood yet cut up in an ever changing and uncertain climate. So many activities are ongoing and have equally been geared in the past for the management of watersheds in Nigeria due to the gains it holds. The aim of this study was to bring to fore the core place of GIS-based Simulation Models (GSMs) as a necessary ingredient needed in pursuance of a sustainable Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) in the country. Based on secondary data sources, personal observation and experience, this paper was developed. The findings of the study revealed that much work has started in Nigeria especially by the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Programme (NEWMAP) in the management of the country’s watershed. The study however maintained succinctly a philosophy that IWM framework is highly driven by complex spatially distributed yet linkable data; is scientific and objective in nature; is largely livelihood-driven and not based on politico-administrative boundaries - as have been wrongly founded in the country. However, it was established from literatures that the Nation’s watershed or basin development programmes have not started applying GSMs or adopted the IWM approach, completely. Thus, the study maintained strongly three (3) main roles of GSMs to aid an IWM in Nigeria. This include its ability to characterize and assess different watershed parameters; visualize, monitor and predict watershed parameters, as well as in the assessment of alternative management decisions under different scenarios. Upon this therefore, not only is the application of GSMs inevitable but ought to be considered as central to decisions and policies made in the management of watershed resources, as well as hazards in the country. This will not only ensure an integrated approach but will also help the nation break the vicious cycle of failure in the management of her watersheds and also help achieve her Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from a watershed-scale perspective.