Remote Sensing Assessment of Land Use and Land Cover Changes in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State (2000–2025)

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

Land use and land cover (LULC) change has become one of the most significant environmental challenges in recent decades. As human populations increase and economic activities expand, natural landscapes are being transformed for agriculture, settlements, and industrial development. Understanding how land use and land cover change over time is essential for effective environmental management and planning. Remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) provide efficient tools for detecting, analyzing, and mapping such changes across large areas (Campbell & Wynne, 2021).

In Nigeria, rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion have led to extensive land use changes, often at the expense of forest and vegetative cover. These changes have implications for biodiversity, soil fertility, and water resources. Ikot Ekpene, a major urban center in Akwa Ibom State, has experienced substantial land use transformation in the last two decades due to population growth and infrastructural development. The city, once dominated by agricultural and forest lands, is now characterized by expanding built-up areas. Assessing these changes through remote sensing will help provide a clearer understanding of the rate, pattern, and drivers of environmental transformation (Adeleke et al., 2020).

1.1 Background to the Study

Land use refers to the human utilization of land for various purposes such as housing, agriculture, industry, and recreation, while land cover describes the physical and biological materials present on the Earth’s surface, including vegetation, water, and soil. Changes in land use and land cover can occur naturally or through human intervention. However, human-induced changes such as deforestation, urban expansion, and infrastructural projects have been more pronounced in recent times (Musa & Garba, 2019).

In Ikot Ekpene, the establishment of industries, construction of roads, and expansion of residential areas have significantly altered the landscape. The removal of vegetation cover has contributed to soil erosion, flooding, and temperature rise. Despite these environmental impacts, there is limited documentation and spatial analysis of the extent of these changes. Remote sensing provides an effective way to monitor land transformation by analyzing satellite images from different time periods. By comparing images from 2000, 2010, and 2025, this study seeks to identify patterns of land use and land cover change in Ikot Ekpene.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Uncontrolled urban expansion and unsustainable land use practices have become major environmental concerns in Ikot Ekpene. The continuous conversion of forest and agricultural lands into residential and industrial zones has led to habitat loss, soil degradation, and increased surface runoff. Despite these changes, there is inadequate information on how much land has been converted and the rate of such transformations over time. The absence of up-to-date spatial data makes it difficult for urban planners and environmental managers to develop effective land management policies. This study, therefore, seeks to use remote sensing and GIS techniques to assess the spatial and temporal changes in land use and land cover in Ikot Ekpene from 2000 to 2025.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to assess land use and land cover changes in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, between 2000 and 2025 using remote sensing and GIS techniques.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Identify and classify the major land use and land cover types in Ikot Ekpene.

2. Analyze the spatial and temporal changes in land use and land cover between 2000 and 2025.

3. Determine the rate and extent of land transformation in the area.

4. Examine the environmental implications of the observed changes.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What are the dominant land use and land cover types in Ikot Ekpene?

2. How has the extent of built-up, agricultural, and forest land changed from 2000 to 2025?

3. What factors are responsible for these changes?

4. What are the potential environmental impacts of land use and land cover changes in the area?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This research will provide valuable information for environmental planners, policymakers, and researchers on the spatial dynamics of land use in Ikot Ekpene. The use of remote sensing and GIS will offer accurate and up-to-date data that can guide sustainable land management decisions. The findings will help government agencies plan urban expansion more efficiently and prevent environmental degradation. Additionally, the study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on land use and cover change analysis in southern Nigeria.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. It will cover land use and land cover changes from the year 2000 to 2025 using Landsat satellite imagery. The research will classify the major land categories such as built-up areas, vegetation, farmland, bare land, and water bodies, and analyze their spatial distribution and change patterns.

1.7 Definition of Key Terms

• Land Use: The human utilization of land for various purposes such as agriculture, housing, or industry.

• Land Cover: The physical material on the Earth’s surface, including vegetation, water, soil, and artificial structures.

• Remote Sensing: The process of collecting information about an area from satellite or aerial imagery without physical contact.

• GIS (Geographic Information System): A computer-based system used to capture, analyze, and display spatial or geographic data.

• Change Detection: The process of identifying differences in land cover or land use over a period using satellite imagery.

References
Adeleke, A. T., Okon, A. U., & Usoro, E. E. (2020). Application of remote sensing and GIS in land use change detection in Akwa Ibom State. Nigerian Journal of Geography, 18(2), 89–101.
Campbell, J. B., & Wynne, R. H. (2021). Introduction to Remote Sensing (6th ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
Musa, S. A., & Garba, I. Y. (2019). Land cover dynamics and environmental impacts in urban centers of Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Studies, 14(1), 55–68.