MAGNITUDE AND DRIVERS OF LAND USE CHANGE IN NSIT IBOM LGA, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA.
Author(s): Ajom Simon K; Ndifreke M. Etim; Ochiche Christopher A.; Salihu Musa Koko; Samuel Ekoh; Okafor Anayochukwu G
Institute(s): 1,4 Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Calabar, Calabar; 2,5,6 Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Uyo; 3 Department of Environmental Resources Management, University of Calabar
Volume 4 / Issue 1
Abstract
This study aimed at assessing the magnitude and drivers of land use change in Nsit Ibom LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The land use of the study area was characterized into four classes: forest, bush fallow, farmland and built-up area using the supervised classification modules. The magnitude of land use change in Nsit Ibom LGA was analysed for the period of thirty-four years (1986 -2020) and it revealed that thick forest experienced a decrease of about 1409.61ha during the period, while bush fallow, farmlands and built-up areas experienced an increase of 333.04ha, 85.43ha and 991.13ha respectively. The study identified housing development (3.82), proximity to a city (3.66), population growth (3.42) and the exploitation of forest resources for economic reasons (3.38) as prime determinants of land use change in the area. Based on the findings, it was recommended that an action area plan should be prepared for the Local Government area, also the enforcement of development control activities and provision of basic facilities and utilities is also recommended.
Number of Pages: 8
Number of Words: 4188
First Page: 10
Last Page: 18