Analysis of the Locations of Land Cover Change in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the locations of land cover change in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria from 1987 when the State was created. Land cover mapping and change analysis was carried out using remote sensing techniques. The study revealed that between 1986 and 2007, land cover significantly changed in nature, rate, direction, location and area. In particular, farm/fallow land and built up area/baresoil increased in area at the expense of swamp and secondary forest. Also, the change from swamp forest to farm/fallow land and secondary forest to farm/fallow land were more significant. The locations of these changes were also determined and mapped. The paper concluded that with the maps showing the locations of land cover change, policy/decision makers and the public can be properly guided

Keywords: Land cover, Land cover change, Remote sensing, deforestation, Geographic information systems