SPATIO-TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF URBAN SPRAWL IN GIDAN MANGORO, MINNA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Gidan Mangoro, a settlement located along Minna-Bida road in Niger State, derived its name from the abundance of economic trees (mango trees) that are now subjected to continue deforestation due to urban sprawl. Deforestation and biodiversity loss is on the increase thereby reducing the carbon sink capacity of the vegetal cover. This research uses satellite imagery Landsat (TM/ETM) and Nigeriasat-1 over a period of 15years (2005-2020) to assess spatial changes in the area. The study revealed an increase in built-up area from 9.25ha of land in 2005 to 72.43ha (683.03% increase) in 2020, vegetation which was 147.16ha in 2005 decreased to an area coverage of 36.38ha (110.78% decrease), in 2020, bare land was 382.01ha in 2005, this decreased to 183.18ha (52.05% decrease) in 2020. The population of Gidan Mangoro increased from 2,130 in 2005 to 8,016 in 2020. The number of mango trees in the community reduced over time from 643 in 2005 to 330 in 2020. This indicates the rate at which deforestation is taking place in Gidan Mangoro, trees that worth about N9,389,001 were lost within 15 years (2005-2020) due to increase human activities. Considering the change in land use and gradual increase of built-up areas. It is therefore recommended that Gidan Mangoro should be guided by development plan and proper zoning ordinances that preserve economic trees and biodiversity should be adhere to for sustainable development in Gidan Mangoro and Nigeria at large.