The Impact of Urban Expansion on Agricultural Activities in Gidan Kwano Community Minna Niger State

Abstract

This study examines the impact of urban expansion on agricultural activities in the Gidan Kwano community, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. As urbanization increasingly encroaches upon rural areas, understanding its effects on agricultural livelihoods becomes critical for sustainable development planning. Agriculture remains the primary economic activity for most rural communities in Nigeria, yet rapid urban growth threatens this vital sector. This research evaluates how infrastructural development and residential construction have transformed land use patterns and affected the agricultural economy in this peri-urban community. The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining spatial analysis and field surveys. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques were utilized to map land use changes over a 12-year period (2012-2024), while structured questionnaires and interviews captured primary data from 126 farmers and residents regarding their experiences and perceptions of urbanization impacts. Results indicate substantial agricultural land conversion, with 91% of respondents reporting farmland loss to non-agricultural development. This transformation has significantly reduced agricultural productivity, with 92% of participants experiencing moderate to severe output declines. Spatial analysis confirmed a marked decrease in cultivated areas, with agricultural land shrinking by approximately 35% during the study period. The socio-economic consequences include farmer displacement, increased poverty levels, and rising unemployment within the agricultural sector. While infrastructural improvements have enhanced market accessibility and connectivity, these benefits are overshadowed by threats to food security and rural livelihood sustainability. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated land use planning that balances urban growth with agricultural land preservation. Policymakers must develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization on rural communities while ensuring sustainable food production systems and protecting farmer livelihoods.