INTRODUCTION
Ondo State, situated in southwestern Nigeria, stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Nigeria’s cultural, economic, and environmental diversity. Established on 3 February 1976 from the former Western State, Ondo State shares its borders with Ekiti, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Ogun, and Osun States, and boasts a stunning coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The state’s vibrant capital, Akure, nestled amidst the verdant landscapes, serves as both an administrative center and a microcosm of the broader socio-economic and environmental dynamics shaping the region.
Nicknamed the “Sunshine State,” Ondo State is not only the 18th most populated state in Nigeria but also the 25th-largest by landmass. Akure, the jewel in Ondo’s crown, pulsates with life as the epicenter of commerce, trade, and cultural exchange. Its population, which stood at 403,000 during the 2006 census, reflects the city’s significance as a melting pot of diverse communities and aspirations. Akure’s economic landscape is as varied as its populace, with industries ranging from petroleum to agriculture, each leaving an indelible mark on its land use patterns.
Land use/land cover mapping serves as a pivotal tool in unraveling the intricate mosaic of human-environment interactions within Akure and its environs. By delineating the spatial distribution of different land use types and land cover classes, this mapping exercise provides invaluable insights into the evolving dynamics of urbanization, agricultural expansion, and environmental degradation. Furthermore, it lays the groundwork for evidence-based decision-making in urban planning, natural resource management, and sustainable development initiatives. As such, understanding and analyzing the nuances of land use/land cover are essential steps towards fostering resilient and inclusive communities in Akure and beyond.
Purpose and Objectives:
The purpose of this report is to present and analyze the land use patterns of Akure, the capital city of Ondo State, Nigeria. The primary objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution and dynamics of land use/land cover within Akure, thereby facilitating informed decision-making in urban planning, environmental management, and sustainable development initiatives. Through the creation and analysis of a land use/land cover map, this report aims to elucidate the complex interplay between human activities and the natural environment, shedding light on the socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors shaping Akure’s urban landscape.
STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION: AKURE, ONDO STATE
Akure, the capital and largest city of Ondo State, Nigeria, stands as a vibrant hub of cultural, economic, and environmental diversity within the southwestern region of the country. Nestled amidst the lush landscapes and fertile plains of Ondo State, Akure boasts a rich tapestry of geographical features, socio-economic activities, and cultural heritage that shape its distinctive identity.
Geographical Context: Akure is strategically located on latitude 7°15′0″N and longitude 5°11′42″E in southwestern Nigeria, bordered by Ekiti State to the north, Kogi State to the northeast, Edo State to the east, Delta State to the southeast, Ogun State to the southwest, Osun State to the northwest, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. This central position within the region positions Akure as a pivotal gateway for trade, commerce, and cultural exchange between neighboring states and the coastal regions.
Socio-Economic Dynamics: The city of Akure pulsates with life, driven by a dynamic blend of economic activities that fuel its growth and development. With a population that surged to prominence with 403,000 inhabitants during the 2006 census, Akure is a melting pot of diverse communities, languages, and traditions. The city’s economy is underpinned by a mix of industries, including the petroleum sector, cocoa production, asphalt mining, and agricultural activities. The annual trade fair organized by the Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association underscores the city’s vital role as a trading avenue for the surrounding farming region, where crops such as cocoa, yam, cassava, maize, cotton, and tobacco are cultivated. Additionally, Akure serves as a center for education, commerce, and administration, hosting various educational institutions, government offices, markets, and commercial establishments.
Environmental Features: The natural landscape surrounding Akure is characterized by its diverse ecological features, ranging from mangrove-swamp forests near the Bights of Benin to the iconic Idanre inselberg hills, which stand as the highest geographical point in the western half of Nigeria, soaring over 1000 meters in elevation. These natural features not only contribute to the city’s aesthetic appeal but also support biodiversity conservation and ecological resilience. However, rapid urbanization and population growth pose challenges to the preservation of these natural ecosystems, necessitating sustainable land use planning and environmental management strategies.
Cultural Heritage: Akure’s cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with its historical legacy as the former capital of the ancient Akure Kingdom. The city’s rich history is reflected in its architecture, traditions, festivals, and oral narratives passed down through generations. The Yoruba language is commonly spoken, underscoring the city’s cultural affinity with the broader Yoruba community. Traditional practices, such as weaving cloth from locally grown cotton, and the cultivation of staple crops like rice, beans, and millet, are integral to Akure’s cultural identity and socio-economic fabric.
METHODOLOGY
Data Sources:
The land use/land cover (LULC) mapping of Akure relied on data obtained from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the Grid 3 initiative. Satellite imagery, specifically bands 3, 4, and 5, acquired from USGS, formed the primary dataset for the analysis. These bands were chosen for their spectral characteristics suitable for land use classification.
Data Processing and Analysis:
The processing of the satellite imagery and the subsequent land use/land cover mapping were conducted using ArcGIS Pro, a Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Initially, the downloaded satellite imagery was preprocessed to enhance its suitability for analysis. This involved creating a composite band by combining bands 3, 4, and 5 to generate color infrared imagery, which provides valuable information for distinguishing between different land cover types.
Next, the classification tool within ArcGIS Pro was utilized to perform supervised classification, wherein each pixel in the composite image was assigned to a specific land use/land cover category based on predefined spectral signatures. This classification process enabled the identification and delineation of distinct land cover classes, such as developed areas, vegetation, bareland, and others, across the study area.
Accuracy Assessment:
For the accuracy assessment, Google Earth imagery was utilized as a reference to validate the accuracy of the classified land use/land cover map. Random sample points were selected within the study area, and the corresponding land cover types were visually inspected and compared between the classified map and Google Earth imagery. The level of agreement between the two datasets was assessed to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the land use/land cover classification.
Area Calculation:
Following the classification process, the conversion tool in ArcGIS Pro was utilized to convert the classified raster map into vector polygons. This conversion facilitated the calculation of the area covered by each land use/land cover category, allowing for a quantitative analysis of land use distribution and spatial patterns within Akure.
The combination of remote sensing data, GIS analysis, and visual inspection using Google Earth imagery enabled the creation of a detailed and accurate land use/land cover map of Akure, providing valuable insights into the city’s spatial dynamics and land use patterns.
RESULTS
The land use/land cover mapping of Akure revealed a diverse array of land cover types, each contributing to the city’s spatial dynamics and environmental characteristics.
The following summarizes the extent of each land cover category within the study area:
Barren Lands: The analysis identified barren lands covering a total area of 371 square kilometers. These barren lands, characterized by sparse vegetation or absence of vegetation, contribute to the city’s landscape and may include areas such as rocky terrain, bare soil, or degraded landscapes.
Vegetation: Vegetated areas were found to cover a total area of 336 square kilometers within Akure. These areas comprise various forms of natural vegetation, including forests, woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands, which play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, regulating ecosystems, and providing ecosystem services.
Developed Areas: The mapping revealed developed areas covering a total area of 120 square kilometers within Akure. These developed areas encompass urban infrastructure, residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, industrial estates, and other built-up areas, reflecting the city’s urbanization and human settlement patterns.
Rock Outcrop: Rock outcrop formations were identified across the landscape, covering a total area of 182 square kilometers. These geological features, characterized by exposed bedrock or rock formations, contribute to the city’s topography and may influence land use planning and development considerations.
The distribution and extent of these land cover categories provide insights into the spatial patterns, ecological dynamics, and land use trends within Akure. The results of the land use/land cover mapping serve as a foundational dataset for informing land management decisions, urban planning initiatives, environmental conservation efforts, and sustainable development strategies aimed at enhancing the resilience and livability of Akure and its surrounding areas.
Implications of the Findings:
The findings of the land use/land cover mapping of Akure carry significant implications for urban planning, environmental management, and sustainable development efforts within the city and its surrounding areas:
Urbanization and Development: The identification of substantial developed areas underscores the rapid urbanization and expansion of Akure. As the city continues to grow, there is a need for strategic urban planning initiatives to manage land use intensification, address infrastructure needs, and mitigate the environmental impacts of urban sprawl.
Ecological Conservation: The presence of extensive vegetation cover highlights the importance of preserving natural ecosystems and biodiversity within Akure. Efforts to conserve and restore vegetated areas can enhance ecosystem resilience, support wildlife habitats, and provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and water regulation.
Land Degradation and Barren Lands: The existence of barren lands signifies areas prone to land degradation, soil erosion, and environmental degradation. Addressing the drivers of land degradation, such as deforestation, unsustainable land use practices, and improper land management, is essential for restoring degraded landscapes, enhancing soil fertility, and promoting sustainable land use practices.
Geological Features and Landscape Stability: The presence of rock outcrop formations highlights the geological diversity and landscape stability within Akure. Understanding the distribution and characteristics of these geological features can inform land use planning decisions, geological hazard assessments, and infrastructure development projects to ensure the safety and resilience of the built environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the land use/land cover mapping of Akure provides valuable insights into the spatial distribution, dynamics, and implications of land cover types within the city and its environs. The identification of developed areas, vegetation cover, barren lands, and rock outcrop formations underscores the complex interplay between human activities and the natural environment shaping Akure’s landscape.
Moving forward, informed by these findings, stakeholders and policymakers can implement evidence-based strategies and interventions to promote sustainable land use practices, enhance urban resilience, and safeguard natural resources. By integrating land use planning, environmental conservation, and community engagement efforts, Akure can navigate the challenges of urbanization while fostering a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for its residents and ecosystems alike.