Analysis of Urban Landuse Pattern and Spatial Changes in Nsukka, Enugu State, South-Eastern Nigeria

 

Umunakwe Henry, C., Abarikwu Kalu, O. and Azubuine, C.E.

 

Full Length Research Paper I Published August,2018

 

Journal of Physical Science and Environmental Studies Vol. 4 (1), pp.1-9

 

ABSTRACT

There have been noticeable changes in urban land use development in Enugu State, Nigeria. These changes have been prominent in core urban areas of Enugu and Nsukka among others. These changes did not just occur in isolation; there are factors influencing such changes. In this study, remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) were used to examine urban land use land cover change in Nsukka, Enugu State for 1986, 2006 and 2016 to predict future changes that are likely to take place. The study shows Nsukka Urban as being compacted with built-up area with negative implications like overcrowding and encroachments on land uses, especially, open spaces meant for recreational activities. Similarly, landmass reserved for agriculture and recreation has been steadily infringed. Therefore, effort should be made to check the rate of deforestation or at least moderate the rate at which urban forestry is fast being deforested using buffers. Otherwise, there will be a dearth of urban forestry in the next 20years.

Key words: Land cover, Landsat imagery, land use development, classified images, urban expansion.

 

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