Land use and Land Cover Change in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State-Nigeria (1987-2020) (Published)

This study examined landuse and land cover change in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. It adopted the cross-sectional research design, utilizing satellite images (1987-2020) and questionnaire for socio-economic data from 210 randomly selected households from seven communities (Aluu, Ubima, Elele, Igwuruta, Ozuoha, Isiokpo and Omagwa). Three research questions and three objectives guided the study. Satellite image classification and analysis was done with the RS and GIS tools of Landsat TM 1986, ETM image and ASTER. From the findings, the main landuse activities in the area are: crop cultivation, plantation agriculture, residential, institutional, commercial, transportation and recreational infrastructures; there is significant relationship between landuse and land-cover change, as the former leads to the later; there is significant difference in rate of land-cover change from1987-2020. While there is constant increase in rate of expansion of residential built-up at 9.3% (1987-1997) and 15.4% (2007-2020); plantations grew at 2% (1987-1997) and declined at 1.36% (2007-2020); there is a steady decline in land-cover for crop cultivation, institutional and recreational infrastructures. Finally, change in landuse and land-cover pose some social and environmental challenges on the people e.g. loss of forested lands, biodiversity, sacred grooves, wet lands; and decline in farmers’ income. The study recommended for the establishment of high rise residential and commercial buildings; and the diversification of the area’s economy into secondary activities and services.

Keywords: Biodiversity Loss, Change, Forest, Land Cover, land use

Land Use Land Cover Change and Hazard Occurrence along Coastline of Nigeria (Published)

The human modification and interference with landscape globally has increased incidence of hazards and disaster most especially in the coastal areas with particular reference to Nigeria. The aim of this study and how it trigger occurrence of hazards at the coastal areas of Nigeria between 2005 to 2015, using landsat 7 thermatic mapper from 1995 to 2005 and landsat 8 enhanced thematic mapper data from 2005 to 2015. From the study bare land and mangrove vegetation shrinked while coastal mud and water (ocean) increased in size. The study recommends mapping of hazard prone areas along the coast of Nigeria the coastal with a view to reduce human inference with Nigeria coastal landscape

Keywords: Land Cover, Land Hazard, Mapping of Hazard, Nigeria, land use

The Effect of Diminishing Urban Green Spaces on Environmental Quality in Kisumu City (Published)

Green spaces contribute to aesthetics and environmental quality of life in urban areas. Kisumu City, the study area, has been experiencing demographic, environmental, economic, socio-spatial and institutional challenges leading to loss of green spaces. The main problem addressed by the study was dysfunctional use of green spaces leading to their loss, aesthetic value and low environmental quality. The study objective was to determine the effect of spatial change of urban green spaces on environmental quality. Data were both qualitative and quantitative and were collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires, photography, remote sensing and Geographic Positioning System (GPS). Qualitative research focused on site-specific analysis of urban and peri-urban neighbourhoods in Milimani and Nyalenda, respectively, which were purposively sampled. Results showed that area under green in 2005 was 44.8% while in 2004 it was 24.87% showing  a decrease of 55.5%. However, in 2010, there was a temporary increase of green space of 51.82% due to demolitions to pave way for road expansion leading to decrease in carbon sink, resulting in increase in carbon footprint. This has led to low environmental quality. The study projects that by the year 2030, without proper planning interventions, the city will lose all its urban green cover. The research recommends the use of remote sensing for creating land-use inventory and monitoring systems. Citizen involvement in planning and management of urban green spaces is recommended because this will transform ecotourism in Kisumu City.

Keywords: Change Detection, Green Planning, Open Space, Quality of life, land use