ABSTRACT
Historical and recent changes in the geomorphological and environmental setting of Anambra State by mass wasting (gully erosion and landslides) have generated negative
impacts affecting lives, properties and sustainable economic development. The major active gullies are rapidly widening approaching ‘canyon’ proportions. The gully system within the study area covers about 1100 km2 (Egboka and Okpoko, 1984) and has recently expanded tremendously. The landscape dealt with is situated between 5°40’ to 6°50’N and 6°35’ to 7°10’E with an area extent in total of 4844 km2 (Figure 1). This region is characterised by an undulating relief, typical for the Awka-Orlu upland. The north-south trending cuesta forms a marked scarp and steep slopes on the east and west respectively with major environmental problems concentrated along these hillslopes. Landscape degradation of Anambra State started as early in 1850 and first efforts to control geomorphic processes by the Brithish colonial office together with local inhabitants by constructing check dams and planting trees failed (Egboka and Okpoko, 1984). The major towns along the cuesta that are heavily affected by surface morphodynamics (sheet wash, gully erosion) include Agulu, Nanka, Ekwulobia, Uga, Umuchu, Alor, Oraukwu, Abagana, Umuoji, Obosi (Egboka and Okoro, 2007).
