Geo-Spatial Analysis of Land Use- Land Cover Changes in Coastal Wetlands of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
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Abstract
The study was done primarily to first of all map the change detection that has occurred within the thirty-two-year period of the study in sixteen years intervals. Secondly, it was also carried out to estimate the land use and land cover changes that has occurred to the diff erent classes over the thirty-two years period and finally to investigate the implications of these changes on the wetland ecosystem of Akwa Ibom State. The study identified a couple of patterns of expected change like in the built-up areas but at the same time it also identified some unexpected change patterns like the steady shrinking of farmlands and the simple harmonic rise and fall of water levels. Based on the findings in this study, migration, industrialization, climate change, rise in population density, expansion of urban areas constitutes some of the major determinant driving the change in the study area. In another set of findings, the growth of the wetland ecosystem in terms of the presence of the mangrove is not impressive because it nose dived down wards in the first sixteen years and came slowly back up in the second sixteen years. Further research will be required to unbundle the mysteries behind these dramaticchanges. Judging by the indices presented in this study, it is also worrisome to note that agricultural practices and cultivation of crops have been relegated to the background in these areas. This calls for concern especially in the face of the dwindling economy andfoodshortages. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations made were not limited to intentional efforts by government and non-governmental organizations to increase the population of mangrove trees and this will help to strengthen the ecosystem. Moreover, since the study has identified a huge gap in agricultural practices, governments at all levels and relevant organizations should intensify ef orts to rekindle enthusiasm towards embracing agricultural practices by the residents of the study area. This can be done by giving loans or grants to individuals and corporate bodies that set themselves up for agriculture.
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