Assessment of Soil Erosion Risk in Selected Farming Communities of Enugu State Using the RUSLE Model

Soil erosion constitutes a critical environmental challenge in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, where steep topography, intensive agricultural activity, and seasonal high-intensity rainfall combine to degrade productive farmland at alarming rates. This study assesses soil erosion risk in three farming communities in Enugu State, namely Udi, Awgu, and Oji River, using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model. The RUSLE factors, including rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length and steepness, cover management, and support practice, were derived from meteorological records, soil surveys, SRTM digital elevation models, and Sentinel-2 imagery. Spatial analysis was performed in QGIS to generate erosion risk maps at a resolution of 30 metres. Results identify Udi Local Government Area as the zone of highest mean annual soil loss, with erosion rates exceeding 40 tonnes per hectare per year on cultivated hillslopes where vegetative cover has been removed for cassava and yam cultivation. Community-level validation using structured interviews confirmed widespread farmer awareness of erosion but limited adoption of soil conservation practices due to cost and land tenure constraints. The study recommends targeted extension services promoting contour bunding, grass strip establishment, and agroforestry integration in high-risk zones. Policy implications for the Enugu State Agricultural Development Programme are discussed, with emphasis on incentivising conservation farming through subsidised input schemes. Keywords: soil erosion, RUSLE, Enugu State, farming communities, South East Nigeria.