OSUN RIVER BASIN RELATIONS WITH AGRICULTURAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

The Osun River Basin contributes immensely in shaping the livelihood of the people along its course through their involvement in diverse agricultural and tourism activities. The river enhances agricultural productivity by provision of water sources for aquaculture, irrigation, particularly in the cultivation of seasonal crops and vegetables. In addition to the agricultural importance of the river, the study also affirms the existence of water related traditions and beliefs which are deeply rooted in the people’s culture though there was a decline in the practice of resource management that respect indigenous knowledge systems. The study established an imbalance in the perceived positive and negative effects of the river basin which if not addressed poses insecurity challenges, possible loss of farm land and decline in agricultural and economic productivity. In essence, given the potentials of the Osun River Basin to sustain livelihoods, it also portends environmental and inaccessibility risks when regulatory measures and water resources management approaches that culture are not practiced.