Assessing the Transformations in the Basin Morphology of Lake Gwakra in Gerei Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria
Lazarus G. Ndatuwong1 & Yohanna Peter2*
Abstract
Lake Gwakra is an important freshwater resource for fishing and irrigated agriculture in Gerei Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. This study assessed changes in the lake’s morphology and considered their hydrological, ecological, and socioeconomic implications using bathymetric measurements, geographic information system analysis, rainfall–sediment observations, seasonal water-quality measurements, and a community survey. Between 2013 and 2026, mapped surface area decreased from 1.4066 to 1.3092 km² (6.93%), mean depth declined from 0.75 to 0.56 m, and estimated volume decreased from 850,000 to 733,135.04 m³ (13.75%). Maximum depth increased from 1.46 to 1.87 m, while mapped shoreline length increased from 5.22 to 7.79 km. Rainfall and sediment measurements at the Mayo Jibiro inlet were positively correlated in 2020 (r = 0.813) and 2026 (r = 0.628), although each relationship was based on five paired observations and was not statistically significant at the 5% level. Wet-season turbidity and phosphate were higher than dry-season means, while nitrate was lower. Of 236 respondents, 94.1% reported moderate or high dependence on lake resources and 98.3% reported seasonal fishing. The findings indicate measurable morphometric differences and substantial livelihood dependence, but do not isolate sedimentation from water-level and survey-method effects or demonstrate direct ecological and socioeconomic causation. The study recommends repeat bathymetric surveys at comparable water levels, catchment erosion control, seasonal water-quality monitoring, and community-inclusive lake management.
Keywords
lake morphology; bathymetry; sediment delivery; water quality; livelihoods; Lake Gwakra
Cite This Article
Ndatuwong, L. G., Peter, Y. (2026). Assessing the Transformations in the Basin Morphology of Lake Gwakra in Gerei Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 7| Issue 6: Nov – Dec 2026, Pages 943-956. URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Volume7-Issue6-Nov-Dec-No.1116-943-956.pdf
Volume 7 | Issue 6: Nov – Dec 2026
