Kaduna (river)

Kaduna (river), river in north central Nigeria, a long tributary of the Niger River. The Kaduna is 550 km (340 mi) long. From its source along the western margin of the Jos Plateau, the river flows northwest across the Kaduna plains. Just before it reaches the city of Kaduna, it turns to the southwest, cutting several gorges through rugged terrain between Kaduna and Zungeru. Finally, the river flows south through the broad, level Niger valley, and enters the Niger River opposite Pategi. Tributaries joining the Kaduna along its course include the Mariga, the Tubo, the Sarkin, the Pawa, and the Galma. Vegetation in the Kaduna’s 70,200 -sq -km (27,100 -sq -mi) drainage basin is moist savanna. Dense rain forests line the lower course of the river, where moisture is more abundant. Annual rainfall averages about 1,250 mm (50 in), occurring seasonally between May and September. Great seasonal fluctuations characterize the Kaduna's water flow; peak discharges occur between July and September. During this period the Kaduna is navigable below Wushishi, south of Zungeru. The agriculturally productive Kaduna plains have a generally low population density, except near the city of Kaduna. The middle portion of the Kaduna valley is sparsely-populated and undeveloped. Population densities rise along the river’s lower course, especially near Bida. The widespread presence of deadly tsetse flies hinders livestock raising along the river. A dam at Shiroro Gorge between Kaduna and Zungeru generates hydroelectricity. The dumping of alluvial mining waste into headwater streams in the Jos Plateau contributes to excessive buildup of sedimentation downstream.