Impact of Land Use Change on Watershed Dynamics in Suleja, Niger State Nigeria

Abstract

Suleja is an average-low income settlement area with an increasing population growth due to its Proximity to the Federal Capital City (Abuja). The aim of this study was to observe land use change on Watershed dynamics within Suleja to better understand the social and environmental problems that can arise in consequence. Multi-temporal satellite imagery of the study area were analyzed to see the effects of changes in the land use on the watershed using GIS methods. A population of the study area was sampled and questionnaire administered to get insight into how past scenarios of the watershed have been influenced by land use change. Significant changes in land use were quantified between 1999, 2009 and 2018. Results suggest that in this period, total water bodies have minimally reduced, Farm land decreased drastically and settlements increased. Survey and interview responses suggest that much of this change is due to population growth.. Urban expansion and development have led to the land degradation, which has increased environmental disasters for local communities. The results of this study are timely and important for analyzing the dynamics between Land use and watersheds in order to improve future management efforts in Niger state and Nigeria.