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Abstract
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Article Information:
Spatio-Temporal Assessment and Mapping of the Landuse Landcover Dynamics in The Central Forest Belt of Southwestern Nigeria
R.O. Oyinloye and J. Oloukoi
Corresponding Author: Oyinloye, Raphael Olaniyi
Submitted: May 18, 2012
Accepted: June 12, 2012
Published: July 25, 2012 |
Abstract:
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The study examined the Landuse and Landcover (LULC) dynamics of the central cocoa cultivation area
of southwestern Nigeria between 1972 and 2002 using remotely sensed multi-temporal datasets. The datasets are
Landsat 1972, 1986, 1991 and 2002 imageries. The datasets were each subjected to supervised classification
techniques employing the maximum likelihood classifier using ILWIS software. This implies that field observation
for identification and completion of ambiguous features and other details supported by GPS locations was carried
out. Seven dominant classes of feature: agro-forest/light forest, built-up area, exposed rock surfaces/bare land, forest
reserve, shrub and arable land, ridge forest and water body were identified. A time series analysis of the LULC
changes was carried out to provide the necessary understanding of the changes required for policy formulation and
decision-making with respect to cocoa production, forest reserve management and landuse planning, control,
coordination and budgeting while being mindful of environmental conservation. This indispensable geo-information
is yet lacking in the cocoa growing belt of southwestern Nigeria. ArcView software was used to prepare the
corresponding time series LULC maps of the study area. The study showed that the forest reserves within the study
area reduced at an average rate of 2.78% per year while agro-forest/light forest reduced to 46.39% (i.e., at an
average rate of 1.55% per year) and, shrub and arable land increased by 323.06% (i.e., at an average rate of 10.77%
per year) for food production farming to feed the rapidly increasing population between 1972 and 2002.
Key words: Change detection , deforestation, environmental monitoring, forest reserve encroachment, geoinformation , remote sensing,
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Cite this Reference:
R.O. Oyinloye and J. Oloukoi, . Spatio-Temporal Assessment and Mapping of the Landuse Landcover Dynamics in The Central Forest Belt of Southwestern Nigeria . Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences, (07): 720-730.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-0492
ISSN (Print): 2041-0484 |
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