Vegetation Response to Grazing Pressure in the Communal Rangelands of Katsina State, North West Nigeria

Communal rangeland management in the Sudan Savanna of Katsina State faces significant challenges from overgrazing associated with high livestock densities and the absence of formal grazing management systems. This study assessed vegetation response to grazing pressure in three communal rangelands with contrasting grazing intensities in Katsina State. Vegetation surveys were conducted at the end of both wet and dry seasons using the point intercept method along established transects. Forage grass cover, species composition, bare ground cover, and invasive plant frequency were recorded as response variables. Livestock density was estimated through systematic counts and secondary data from state livestock services. Results showed significantly reduced perennial grass cover and increased bare ground at heavily grazed sites relative to lightly grazed and enclosed reference plots. Heavily grazed sites were dominated by unpalatable annual grasses and forbs, including Cenchrus biflorus, indicative of rangeland degradation. Species richness was lowest at the most intensively grazed site, with diversity indices also significantly reduced. Bare ground cover exceeded 40 percent at degraded sites, increasing erosion vulnerability. The study recommends introduction of community-managed rotational grazing systems, regulatory limits on dry season burning, and restoration planting of palatable perennial grass species in severely degraded patches. Keywords: rangeland vegetation, grazing pressure, Katsina State, forage quality, rangeland degradation.