Impact of Deforestation on Rural Livelihood in Mbieri, Imo State Nigeria (Published)
Globally the rate of deforestation and forest degradation is around 13million hectares, occurring mostly in developing countries. This study aimed at assessing the impact of deforestation on livelihood sources in Mbieri a rural community in Imo State, Southeast Nigeria. Multi-Temporal Satellite Images were analyzed for changes in land use and land cover in the area, while random sampling method was used to administer the questionnaire, and participatory rural appraisal (PRA) method was used to elicit information on drivers of deforestation, income levels and perceived effects of deforestation in the study area. Six land use/cover types were identified namely; farmland, bare soil, built-up surface, water bodies, secondary forest and primary forest. GPS coordinates of the sampled deforested areas were also recorded and used to overlay on the Satellite processed data on land use and land cover. Data were further obtained from the satellite imageries of Landsat 4, thematic mapper (TM) and Landsat 7 and 8 ETM+ covering the year 1986, 2000, and 2016 respectively. Results from satellite image analysis revealed that land use changes have negatively impacted deforestation leading to loss of primary forest and reduction in secondary forest. Built-up areas and farmland increased from 13.92% and 11.47% in 1986 to 32.86% and 21.97% in 2016 respectively. While the primary forest reduced from 35.94% in 1986 to 10.78% in 2016. Population increase and agricultural expansion were identified as the major drivers of deforestation in Mbieri. Impacts of deforestation on the people include loss of valuable species of flora and fauna, decreased earnings from the sale of forest resources and loss of farmland to erosion of exposed surfaces. It is recommended that forest plantations be increased by using vacant and unused lands which will have net positive benefits also, deliberate reforestation should be embarked on to avoid environmental degradation and possible increase in ambient temperature.
Citation: Iwuji M. C, Okpara J. C, Ukaegbu K. O. E, Iwuji K. M, Uyo C. N, Onuegbu S. V, Acholonu, C.A (2022) Impact of Deforestation on Rural Livelihood in Mbieri, Imo State Nigeria, International Journal of Geography and Regional Planning Research, Vol.7, No.2, pp.1-13,
Keywords: Deforestation, Forest, Landuse, Livelihood, Satellite image, Urbanization, population increase
Architectural Analysis of Poor Neighborhoods in Abuja, Nigeria (Published)
The concept of Abuja, Nigeria, as a befitting Federal Capital Territory was spawned in 1975 and in the process, a Master Plan was developed. It was elaborated to put in place, a sustainable urban spatial environment for all groups and activities however, the Master Plan was abused, resulted in volumetric and unvolumetric living. This research aimed to ascertain the extent of distortion in the Master Plan with regards to housing provisions for the urban poor. Instruments of two research strategies; quantitative and qualitative research methods and their tactics were used. The Sample size (n) was determined using the Taro-yamane formula and stratified single-stage cluster sampling technique used to select subjects for the study. Collected data was coded, entered and analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 22. Descriptive statistics that included frequency and percentages were used to summarize the categorical variables while means and standard deviations were obtained for continuous variables. The Master Plan provided for low-income settlements, to be built by the government and to be occupied by the public servants; the private sector servants did not appear to be properly provided for and led to dismal miscommunication problems and economic divide. The city lacked integrity, inclusion of all and not sustainable. The Abuja housing developments should embrace all and not divided by income, social status and political line.
Keywords: Abuja, Architecture, Housing, Population, Urbanization, urban poor
The Nature of Peri-Urban Development in Lafia, Nasarawa State (Published)
This paper examines the characteristics of peri-urban areas in Lafia, a relatively new town by Nigeria’s account, but an important state capital, whose mineral resources, hospitality, administrative and educational status continue to drive its urban expansion. Peri urban areas in Lafia are by no means homogeneous, but area characterized by market-led medium density sporadic housing developments, lacking in basic infrastructure and facilities, employment opportunities and are poorly linked to the main town by transportation facilities. It is recommended that there is the need for more proactive involvement and intervention by various stakeholders in the management of peri urban areas to enhance their potentials and to address their peculiar problems.
Keywords: Challenges, Lafia, Peri Urban Areas, Urbanization, facilities