Bio
Ambrose A. Zemba is a Professor specializing in Urban Climatology and Remote Sensing/GIS Applications. He is affiliated with the Department of Geography at Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria. His research focuses on Geography and Environmental Studies, Remote Sensing and Land Use, Atmospheric Science, and Water Science and Technology. He has authored studies on climate impacts on agriculture and environmental changes due to dam construction in Nigeria.
Educational Journey
Ph.D • Geography (Climatology)
Experience
Professor
0 - 0 • Department of GeographyResearch
Analysis of Environmental and Economic Effects of Kiri Dam, Adamawa State, Nigeria
This research was an attempt to study the consequences of dam construction in Nigeria. This was expedient because such projects are known to be characterised by array of disasters that ensued their construction. Satellite images captured before and after the dam in 1976 and 2014 respectively were subjected to image processing techniques so as to assess the likely changes in environmental variables of the area. This was supplemented by 250 questionnaires administered in settlements along the riverbank to elicit information on the socioeconomic characteristics of the people. Additionally, field observations and informal interviews were conducted to probe further into details of information required. Results show that natural vegetation has decreased by 63%. This has led to chains of environmental problems including soil erosion, loss of biodiversity and pollution. The other land use/cover types experienced increase, with water body accounting for the highest value of 54.7% owing to dam in the reservoir. The hitherto common crops of the area such as maize, guinea corn have been replaced with cash crops like cotton and potato etc., some of which are foreign to the area. This coupled with inundation of farmlands by dam water, has constituted undesirable impacts on the livelihood of the local farmers. Unfortunately, the dam water meant for irrigation farming and fishing, has not been utilized maximally. Instead, the presence of the water has led to emergence of lifethreatening animals and birds. It was recommended that the local farmers be provided with appropriate fishing and irrigation facilities to enable them take advantage of the dam. Vast hectares of lands lying fallowed should be utilized to ensure food security.
Growth and Yield Response of Irish Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) to Climate in Jos-South, Plateau State, Nigeria
The study investigates the response of Irish potato to some climate variables in Jos-South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The data collected include yield of Irish potato, in tons per hectare, and climatic data for twenty years (1989-2009). These data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and later on subjected to correlation and regression statistical techniques so as to determine the relationship between yield of Irish Potato and climatic elements for different phenological stages of crop growth. The results show that there is no significant variation in most of the agro-climatic data between the different years. High variations in the values of agro-climatic are only found within total rainfall, rainfall in July, May, and to some extent, rainfall in April and June. Findings on the correlation analysis show that, at sprouting to emergence/vegetative stage, maximum and minimum temperatures significantly correlate with Irish potato at 1% significance level respectively. Also, total rainfall correlates significantly with yield at tuber set/initiation stage at 5% significance level. In the same vein, minimum temperature significantly correlates with yield at tuber bulking/ripenin stage at 1% significant level. Step-wise regression analysis selected two critical elements negatively influencing the yield of Irish Potato in Jos-South. These are minimum temperature at tuber bulking/ripening stage and rainfall in July.
