Pattern and Drivers of Bush Burning in the Fadama Wetlands of Jigawa State

Fadama wetlands in Jigawa State provide critical ecosystem services including dry season irrigation water, fish habitat, and grazing resources for diverse rural users, yet recurrent bush burning in and around these wetlands is degrading vegetation and threatening ecological functions. This study documents the spatial pattern, seasonal timing, and socioeconomic drivers of bush burning in five fadama wetland systems in Jigawa State. Fire occurrence was mapped over two years using MODIS active fire products supplemented by field verification at 40 ground-truth sites. Structured interviews with 155 farming and pastoralist households documented burning motivations, seasonality, decision factors, and awareness of burning consequences. Focus group discussions with community leaders explored governance mechanisms currently in place for fire management. Fire occurrence was highest between November and February, concentrated at wetland margins and transition zones between wetland and upland farmland. Pastoralists were the largest group using fire to stimulate grass regrowth for dry season grazing, while farmers burned to clear post-harvest crop residue and prepare vegetable plots. Only 14% of respondents were aware of any local rule prohibiting burning in fadama zones. Community leaders acknowledged the absence of functional fire management institutions. Burning frequency was inversely correlated with fadama vegetation biomass at the community scale. The study recommends establishment of community fire management committees with facilitated rule-making authority and recommends integration of fire management into the Jigawa State Fadama Development Project extension programme. Keywords: bush burning, fadama wetland, Jigawa State, fire management, pastoralism