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Erelu Dam and Livelihood Economies in Oyo State, Nigeria
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Economic Geography
Abstract
Dams constitute critical infrastructure for water security, agricultural productivity, and rural poverty reduction, particularly in regions characterized by seasonal rainfall variability. This study examines the socio-economic contributions and operational constraints of Erelu Dam in Oyo State, Nigeria. A concurrent mixed-methods design anchored in the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework was adopted. Data were collected through household surveys (n = 400), focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative responses were subjected to thematic content analysis. Triangulation and cross-validation procedures enhanced analytical reliability and minimized interpretive bias. Findings indicate that the dam significantly supports livelihood diversification through irrigation farming, fisheries, and small-scale trading. However, its developmental potential is undermined by interconnected challenges including poor power supply, contamination risks from untreated water sources, inadequate material / equipment for domestic water processing and weak governance structures that generate poor maintenance culture. The study concludes that sustainable outcomes require a shift from centralized management toward participatory water governance supported by periodic technical audits and livelihood-centred planning. This integrated approach is essential for transforming the dam into a resilient socio-economic asset for rural communities.
Keywords
Dam Management, Sustainable Livelihoods, Participatory Governance, Rural Development, Water Security, Nigeria
References
[1] Adewuyi, S., & Ajibade, O. (2021). Water infrastructure and poverty reduction in Sub-Saharan Africa. Development Policy Review, 39(5), 783–799.
[2] Adepoju, T., Ajibade, O., & Bello, F. (2022). Impact of irrigation farming on household income in Oyo State, Nigeria. Journal of Water Resource Development, 38(4), 612–629.
[3] Chambers, R., & Conway, G. (2019). Sustainable rural livelihoods: Practical concepts for the 21st century. Institute of Development Studies.
[4] Falaye, A. E., Ajani, E. K., Kareem, O. K., & Olanrewaju, A. N. (2015). Assessment of ichthyofaunal assemblage of Erelu Reservoir, Oyo, Nigeria. Ecologia, 5(2), 43–53.
[5] Federal Ministry of Water Resources. (2023). Nigeria’s National Water Policy.
[6] Mekonnen, T., & Tadesse, K. (2020). Socio-economic impacts of dams in Sub-Saharan Africa. Water Policy Journal, 22(3), 401–423.
[7] Ogunleye, A., & Salami, T. (2020). Institutional challenges in dam management in southwestern Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 63(8), 1450–1468.
[8] Oladejo, O. T., Adewumi, J. R., & Adesina, G. O. (2024). Assessment of heavy metal contamination in water sources around Erelu Dam. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 28(1), 123–130.
[9] Olasunkanmi, N. K., Akinlalu, A. A., & Oloruntola, M. O. (2021). Integrated geophysical assessment of Erelu Dam embankment integrity. Indonesian Journal on Geoscience, 8(3), 345–357.
[10] World Bank. (2023). Water Security and Sustainable Livelihoods.
[11] World Commission on Dams. (2022). Global Perspectives on Dam Management.
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How to cite this paper
@article{1714263,
author = {OLANIYI, Oladiran Paul, JIMOH, Jubril Babatunde, OLAWUWO, Abiodun Abeeblahi},
title = {Erelu Dam and Livelihood Economies in Oyo State, Nigeria},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {8},
pages = {1938-1941},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1714263.pdf},
abstract = {Dams constitute critical infrastructure for water security, agricultural productivity, and rural poverty reduction, particularly in regions characterized by seasonal rainfall variability. This study examines the socio-economic contributions and operational constraints of Erelu Dam in Oyo State, Nigeria. A concurrent mixed-methods design anchored in the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework was adopted. Data were collected through household surveys (n = 400), focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative responses were subjected to thematic content analysis. Triangulation and cross-validation procedures enhanced analytical reliability and minimized interpretive bias. Findings indicate that the dam significantly supports livelihood diversification through irrigation farming, fisheries, and small-scale trading. However, its developmental potential is undermined by interconnected challenges including poor power supply, contamination risks from untreated water sources, inadequate material / equipment for domestic water processing and weak governance structures that generate poor maintenance culture. The study concludes that sustainable outcomes require a shift from centralized management toward participatory water governance supported by periodic technical audits and livelihood-centred planning. This integrated approach is essential for transforming the dam into a resilient socio-economic asset for rural communities.},
keywords = {Dam Management, Sustainable Livelihoods, Participatory Governance, Rural Development, Water Security, Nigeria},
month = {February},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714263}
}