Gidan Mangoro, a settlement situated along the Minna-Bida road in Niger State, Nigeria, was originally named after the abundant mango trees that characterized the area. However, the region is now facing significant deforestation due to urban sprawl, resulting in increased biodiversity loss and a reduction in the carbon sink capacity of its vegetal cover. To assess the spatial changes in the area, this study utilized satellite imagery from Landsat (TM/ETM) and Nigeriasat-1 over a 15-year period (2005-2020).
The research findings revealed a substantial increase in built-up areas, growing from 9.25 hectares in 2005 to 72.43 hectares in 2020, representing a staggering 683.03% increase. Conversely, the vegetation area decreased significantly, declining from 147.16 hectares in 2005 to a mere 36.38 hectares in 2020, marking a reduction of 110.78%. Additionally, the bare land, which covered 382.01 hectares in 2005, decreased to 183.18 hectares in 2020, indicating a 52.05% reduction.
The population of Gidan Mangoro surged from 2,130 individuals in 2005 to 8,016 individuals in 2020, contributing to the increasing human activities impacting the area. The number of mango trees in the community also experienced a sharp decline over time, dropping from 643 in 2005 to 330 in 2020. This highlights the alarming rate of deforestation in Gidan Mangoro, resulting in a loss of economic trees valued at approximately N9,389,001 within the 15-year period (2005-2020).
In light of these changes in land use and the gradual expansion of built-up areas, it is crucial to implement a development plan for Gidan Mangoro that includes proper zoning ordinances to preserve the remaining economic trees and promote biodiversity conservation. These measures are vital for achieving sustainable development not only in Gidan Mangoro but also for Nigeria as a whole.
Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Urban Sprawl in Gidan Mangoro, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
