"Dutse " a Hausa word denoting "Rock" derive its name from the hilly rocks, which encircled the town of Garu {the headquarters of the Emirate} and its environs covering an area of about 5 square miles. Dutse also happens to be the Capital city of Jigawa State Nigeria since August 1991 when the State was created.
With a projected 2002 population of 1.4 million {source: national population commission}, the emirate covers an area of abut 7382 sq km, laying between latitude 100 25 N 120 07’N and longitude 90 05’ e and 100 25 e .
The Emirate is bordered in the South and South-East by emirates of Ningi, Katagum and Misau {in Bauchi State}. Kano to the West, Hadeja and Ringim Emirates to the Noth and North-west
Hausa is the predominant language followed by Fulfulde. Kanuri, and warji. Islam is the main religion in the emirate commanding the adherents of about 99% of the population.
MAJOR OLD TOWNS
Include:-Dutse metropolis, Birnin-kudu, Gwaram, Fagam, Basirka, Kila, Sakwaya, Wurno, Sundimina. Iggi, Yalwan Damai Jahum, Kiyawa, Gantsa, Fake, Aujara, Chamo, Buji, Sara, Katanga, Madobi, Chaichai Gunka, Dundubus, Kudai, Miga, Zareku, Ruru and Harbo.
MAJOR ROAD NET WORKS
Geographically Dutse Emirate area is favorably located along the A-237 highway which is part of the proposed trans-Africa highway. The network begins in Mozambique passes via the Emirate through Kiyawa to Kano and Lagos. Apart from this highway, Two trunk "A" roads links the emirates with Kano, Bauchi and Yobe States.
MAJOR MARKETS
The Emirate is exceptionally well endowed with major Agricultural and Livestock markets principally (Shuwarin, Sara, and Kiyawa ) holding on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, respectively. They are conveniently situated along the major roads passing through the Emirate.
MAJOR OCCUPATIONS
Agriculture is the main occupation of about 80% of the population, while Millet and Sorghum largely form the staple food crops. Also grown as cash crops are peanuts, beans, sugar cane, cotton, dates, potatoes, Mangoes, and several other fruits and vegetables.
However, a substantial section of the population is engaged in livestock rearing throughout the year either as full or part time occupation. Other means from which economic support is being derived include, weaving, leatherwork, blacksmithing, mat and basket making, pottery, barbing, tanning, and fishing.
NATURAL AND MINERAL RESOURCES
The emirate is endowed with fascinating features chiefly hilly rocks, sand dunes, rivers, streams and economic trees. The most note-worthy mineral resources are found around the rocky hills of Dutse, Birnin-kudu, Kila, Gwaram, and Fagam, while silka-sand could be found in abundance on the sandy hills located along Kiyawa- Jahun road.
The Rivers that traverse the Emirate rise in the plateaus of Bauchi State following in almost imperceptible valleys and food plains to the northeast of the Emirate and eventually confluent with Katagum and Jama’are Rivers. These Rivers are: - River Dagwalo, Chiyako, Gwaram and kiyawa.
Recent feasibility studies initiated by the Jigawa State Government have indicated that the Emirate is endowed with commercial quantities of columbite, tin, various colors of granite, and gold.