Temporal Patterns of Insect Diversity and Abundance in Fadama Wetland Ecosystems of Niger State Under Changing Hydrological Regimes, North Central Nigeria

Fadama wetlands in Niger State support agricultural livelihoods through dry-season irrigation farming and provide critical ecosystem services including water regulation and habitat for beneficial insects. Changing rainfall patterns and upstream dam management have altered the hydrological regimes of many fadama systems, with uncertain consequences for insect communities. This study examines temporal patterns of insect diversity and abundance in fadama wetlands across Niger State under contrasting hydrological conditions over 24 months. Insects will be sampled at 15 fadama sites representing three hydrological regimes (perennially flooded, seasonally flooded, and intermittent flood) using pan traps, pitfall traps, and direct plant sampling. Total insect abundance, functional diversity, and phytophage-to-natural-enemy ratios will be quantified monthly. Hydrological parameters from field measurements and satellite-derived water indices will serve as predictor variables in linear mixed models. This study addresses a growing concern about how fadama wetland hydrological changes, partly attributable to the Kainji and Jebba dams, affect insect community structure and the ecological services these communities provide. Findings will contribute to the Niger State Fadama III Project's ecological monitoring component. Keywords: fadama wetlands, insect diversity, hydrological regime, Niger State, temporal dynamics