CONTRIBUTION OF DOMA DAM TO THE LIVELIHOOD OF PEOPLE IN DOMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the contribution of Doma Dam to the livelihoods of people in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the contribution of the dam to agricultural production. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 368 household heads selected from Rutu, Alagye, Ohina Mada, and Yelwa Ediya communities surrounding Doma Dam using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were farmers (52%) and within the economically active age group (31–40 years). The study further found that Doma Dam has significantly enhanced agricultural production by providing irrigation water (81%), supporting dry-season farming (82%), improving access to water for farming (85%), increasing crop yields (69%), enhancing food production (69%), improving household income (69%), and supporting livestock production (83%). The study recommends that local communities should strengthen community-based management of the dam's resources, while the government should improve the maintenance of the dam and provide agricultural support services to maximize its socio-economic benefits.