PASTORALIST READINESS TO USE THE PROPOSED RURAL GRAZING AREA (RUGA) SETTLEMENT IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assessed pastoralists’ readiness to use the proposed Ruga settlement in Gombe state. The research had three specific objectives, three research question and three hypotheses. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The study was having an infinite population. The sample of the study comprises of 384 transhumant and nomadic pastoralists randomly selected from the study area. A 30 items structured questionnaire was used for data collection, the instrument pastoralists’ readiness was validated by expert with reliability coefficient of .762. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer research questions and independent t-test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significant. The findings also revealed that, transhumance and nomadic pastoralists are ready to use the proposed Ruga settlement based on their level of awareness and socio-economic characteristics in Gombe State, Nigeria. Based on the finding, the study, recommended that, more enlightenment on the merits of Ruga settlement and the need to create a platform that will bring all stakeholders together on regular basis by the Government and other agencies should be reiterated.