Influence of Land use Dynamics on watershed sustainability in Suleja, Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Land use change is a very important issue induced by human activities and this changes are predicted to have serious effects on the watershed of an area which subsequently affect river flow and sediment yield. Suleja an average-low income settlement area with an increasing population growth due to its proximity to the Federal Capital City (Abuja) have been experiencing land use change which has degraded the watershed of the area. The aim of the study was to observe the impact of land use change on watershed within Suleja to better understand the social and environmental problems that can arise and its consequence. Multi-temporal satellite imagery of the study area were analyzed to see the changes in land use as it affect watershed using geospatial techniques. Significant changes in land use were quantified between 1999, 2009 and 2018. Results suggest that in this period, total water bodies have minimally reduced, cultivated area decreased drastically and settlements increased by over 100% within the study period. Survey suggest that much of this change is due to population increase which has led to the conversion of one land use to another. Urban expansion and development have led to the land degradation, increased runoff which has increased environmental disasters for local communities. The study has enhanced our understanding of how Land use change impact on watersheds. The need to plant trees and grasses along high elevation to reduce runoff was recommended.