Spatio-temporal analysis of land use and land cover dynamics in a part of Southern Nigeria

Agriculture, industrialization, transportation, urbanization and other anthropogenic activities have impacted on the natural cover of the earth surface, hence the dual concepts of land use and land cover (LULC). This study analyses spatio-temporal dynamics in LULC in part of southern Nigeria (path 189 and row 056) between 2002 and 2023using satellite imageries: namely, Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus ETM+ of 2023, 2014 and 2002. The classification of land coverwas done with the aid of ArcGIS.The study revealed spatial dynamics in LULC over the study period. The percentage of the study area under cultivation increased from 7.96% in 2002, 17.79% in 2014 to 30.67% in 2023. Also, built-up area increased from 4.36% in 2002, 8.29% in 2014 but decreased to 7.06% in 2023. While areas of dense forest were 34.59% in 2002, 21.42% in 2014 and 11.57% in 2023, bare surface was 4.94% in 2014, 1.19% in 2002 and 25.34% in 2023.Oil spill was 6.13% in 2002, 6.42% in 2014 and 2.07% in 2023. Secondary regrowth/Plantation was 0.19%, 4.22% and 5.53% in 2002, 2014 and 2023 respectively. Water bodieswere 3.37% (2002), 7.06% (2002) and 11.27% (2023). The study recommends enactment of an enabling law or enforcement of existing laws governing forest protection and raising awareness and education of inhabitants on the need to preserve the natural land cover.