ASSESSMENT OF BAISSA FOREST DISTURBANCE IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA FROM 1984 TO 2014

Abstract

This study analyzed the rate and the extent of Baissa forest disturbance in Taraba state, Nigeria. The intention was to assess disturbance in the forest from 1984 - 2014 and to predict the future state of the forest using Markov Model. The secondary data used were; Landsat TM 1984, ETM+ 1999 and LDCM 2014. The cadastral map and GPS coordinates of the study area were used as ancillary data and analyzed. The Image overlay and change detection methods were employed so that comparison was made for the three images. The observed changes were deduced in hectares to examine, measure, identify and presented the results that helps to understand the rate and extent of the forest disturbance in the reserve. Classification and other statistical methods employed revealed several canopy or forest lost in most part of the reserve by 23.6%. Disturbed forest decreased from 6001 hectares in 1984 to 734 hectares in 1999 and increased to 5423 hectares in 2014. Agricultural land increased from 2469 hectares 1984 to 8869 hectares in 1999 then decreased to 8717 hectares in 2014 respectively. Built-up area increased by 35% from 1984 to 1999 and decreased to 33.2% from 1999 to 2014, Water body decreased by 6.3% from 1984 to 1999 and slightly increased to 2.9% from 1999 to 2014. By the projection analysis, using Markov Model, Dense Forest will decrease from 4766 hectares from 2014 to 3136hectares in 2029. Generally, the research revealed changes in the level of forest Disturbance from 1984 to 2014, which could be traced to illegal logging, agricultural and hunting activities. This therefore, proves the importance of Remote Sensing and GIS in addressing forest disturbance in Baissa forest in Taraba state, Nigeria.