ABSTRACT:

This study analyzed the Farmers Livelihoods benefits and challenges under Shelterbelt Projects in the Frontline States of North West, Nigeria, (Jigawa, Kano and Katsina). Sample size of 450 respondents was used for the study. Data analysis was achieved using descriptive statistics, standard deviation, mean and Tobit regression. Major agricultural livelihoods were cropping farming, livestock rearing, farm Labour, farm products processing and fish farming having a mean score of 4.34, 4.28, 4.55, 4.19 and 4.21 respectively. While non-agricultural livelihood in the study area were civil service 4.20 and petty trading 4.35. Also, the coefficient of Age, sex, level of education, access to extension services, (P≤0.01) and access to credit (P≤0.05) are factors that contributed to livelihood benefits of the respondents significantly and positively. Constraints associated with shelterbelt are hide out for criminals, habitat for dangerous animals, low access to extension services, revenue from project go directly to government, lack of community participation and management to the shelterbelt, eucalyptus plant compete with crops for soil fertility, it also has water mining ability which affects the open wells of the communities, it was recommended that government or NGOs/ CBOs should convert the shelterbelt to recreational park and tourism potentials. This will ensure constant presence of people thereby reducing criminal activities like Indian hemp smoking, theft and kidnapping in the belt, constant surveillance of the shelterbelt by appropriate agencies to ensure dangerous animals are smoked out, local communities should be allowed to participate in the management and sharing of revenue from the shelterbelt, the extension services should be strengthened through provision of more man power to improve services rendered.