Gis Based Assessment of Land Use Land Cover Change and Its Impact on Agricultural Land Use in Ikpoba-Okha Lga, Edo State, Nigeria

In Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State, rapid urbanization, population growth, and industrial expansion have led to the large-scale conversion of agricultural land into residential, commercial, and industrial uses. This study assesses the rate and drivers of land use and land cover (LULC) over 30 years (1993–2023), its impacts on agricultural land use, and the mitigation strategies adopted by farmers and landowners. A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis, alongside questionnaires, Focused Group Discussions, and field observations. A purposive sampling technique was used to select farmers and landowners from ten communities. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, including percentages, presented through tables, charts, and maps. Findings reveal a 263.30% increase in built-up areas, from 12.7% (106.662 km²) in 1993 to 46.16% (387.489 km²) in 2023, while agricultural land declined by 35.13%. The primary drivers of LULCC include urban expansion, population pressure, and weak land-use policies. The most commonly adopted public mitigation strategies are agroforestry, land tenure agreements, and land monitoring committees, while government-supported interventions and relocation efforts remain limited. The study concludes that LULCC has significantly reduced agricultural land, exacerbating land-use conflicts, food insecurity, and environmental degradation in Ikpoba-Okha. It recommends stronger zoning regulations, increased financial support for farmers, and improved infrastructure to balance urban growth with agricultural sustainability.