Multiple Utilizations of Wetlands for Susatinable Food and Water Cycling Production in Nigeria

In Nigeria, wetland comprises inland swamp, mangrove and fresh water swamp and shallow to deep water fadama which are scattered in packets, covering over 24,009km. Previous finding showed that all Nigerian saline wetlands occupy 759,000 acres. Moreover, The Fresh wetlands are Niger delta, Niger River, Benue river, Cross river and Imo River, Ogun-Osun River, and Lake Chad occupying 117,700, 8,150, 242,000, 250,000 and 26,000, 380,000, 55,000 acres respectively. The freshwater swamp portion of the wetland is estimated to be 2,130,000 hectares while the mangrove swamp is reported to be 858,000 hectares. The study investigated the multiple use of wetland as partial waste water recycling methods and food production. The wetland treatment was done via (collection system, wastewater treatment plant, natural waterways, constructed wetland, effluent reservoir and water consumption) and processed through Wastewater - Discharge - Purification - Deposit - Supply. The Results shows an increased in water supply through the alternate method of waste water reuse from wetland production making it useful for agricultural practice with resultant effect in food supply increased. The required food supply shortages are met basically through wetland production. The result also that wetland contributed to over 56% of the food supply while Upland and other domestic production contributed 33.4 and 10.3% respectively. The wetlands of Nigeria make important contribution to the livelihood of urban and rural communities. Environmentally, they provide a range of hydrological and ecological benefits including the recharge and discharge of aquifer. However decision-makers should highlight and applied the economic value as well as evaluating the various goods and service that wetland provide to the nation's sustainable development.