THE ECONOMICS OF GULLY EROSION CONTROL: A REVIEW OF COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS APPLICATION IN GULLY CONTROL PROJECT PLANNING IN GOMBE METROPOLIS

Abstract

This paper reviews the economic dimensions of gully erosion control, focusing on how economic models particularly cost‐benefit analysis and cost‐effectiveness analysis can inform project planning and resource allocation. A desk‐based literature analysis was conducted to examine the costs of gully erosion, various control methods, and the frameworks used to assess their impacts. Key economic concepts such as the economically optimal level of erosion, on‐site versus off‐site effects, and direct versus indirect impacts are discussed. The review highlights the importance of comparing mitigation measures not only on physical effectiveness but also on financial return, ensuring that control costs remain below avoided erosion costs. Finally, guidelines are proposed for integrating both tangible and intangible effects into comprehensive economic assessments to support policymakers in selecting the most efficient gully control strategies.