Dynamics of Land Use/Land Cover on Vegetation Cover in Southern Gombe (1986-2017), Gombe, Nigeri

Abstract

The dynamics of vegetation is attributed not only to natural impacts but anthropogenic activities as well, and as such, brings to bear the urgent need for the use of modern techniques that can easily provide accurate data for efficient planning preference to the continual use of the conventional type. In view of this, this study monitored the land use land cover changes of southern Gombe between 1986 and 2017 using remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. The study aimed at examining the changes on the vegetation cover. The methods adopted for this research involves the use of remotely sensed data from Landsat TM and Landsat ETM. Ground truthing was also carried out to corroborate the data from the satellite images. Secondary data from the literature relevant to the study were also obtained. The results showed that the vegetation class decreased (-150.83, -34.66 and -20.74) from 1986 to 1996, 1996 to 2006 and 2006 to 2017 while settlements increased (0.24, 0.72 and 9.57) from 1986 to 1996, 1996 to 2006 and 2006 to 2017in area coverage. Southern Gombe is expanding and leading to an inverse spill-over effect on the vegetation resources of the area. It is recommended that programs should be initiated that would promote the farming of forest trees and their products (fruits, wood, gums) around the homes to avoid cutting down of trees in the forest.