SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF SHIRORO HYDRO-ELECTRIC DAM ON THE DISPLACED AND RESETTLED INHABITANTS OF ZUMBA COMMUNITY, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Resettlement in most cases occurs due to developmental purposes as the case of Zumba community in Niger State which was relocated from its original place to the present place to give way for construction of hydro-electric dam. Other resettlements happen because of environmental disasters such as flooding, earthquake, etc. Zumba community was purposively selected because of its closeness to the dam and river side and thus come under direct influence of the dam. This paper examines the socio-economic effects of Shiroro Dam on the resettled people of Zumba community. The major socio-economic parameters used in examining the effects of the dam on the inhabitants include farmland expropriation, compensation, occupational changes, housing, income possessions, food and other basic social amenities before and after the construction of the dam. Reconnaissance survey was the first step used in order to identify the nature of settlements, formulation of field investigation and working schedule. Questionnaire and interview methods were used in data collection. Eighty (80) respondents were administered with questionnaires in the study area. Both open-ended questionnaire and interview were used. The results were subjected to simple statistical tools such as percentage tables, bar graphs, and (X2) correlation statistical test. The results revealed more positive change at present in the socio-economic life of the inhabitants compared to the past than the negative. It also show improvement in the area of housing, income possession, market creation, employment generation, water and power sources, etc.