Effect of Urban Sprawl on the Environmental Sustainability in Minna

Abstract

Urbanization is a global phenomenon which is not just a manifestation of how man use and view the environment,but also an engine of change. Thus, major and minor cities in many developing countries, especially in sub-Sahara Africa, are experiencing rapid urbanization and have immensely contributed to urban sprawl. In Minna, urban sprawl has become emerging environmental issue with rapidly decaying urban infrastructure that raises concern for sustainable environmentalist. In assessing the effects and predicting its future pattern of growth,the study integrate Remote Sensig and map algebra module of ArcGIS, and Shannon's Entropy,with field survey,personal interviews,and existing literature.The results of the study revealed that urban sprawl increases pollution rate, energy consumption,greenhouse gas emissions, land use fragmentation, urban heat island and loss of biodiversity in the study area. It was also discovered that the rate of urban sprawl occurrence will remain constant between the 2017 and 2027 with its associated ills. It is therefore recommended that vigorous development control at all levels should be enforced to stem the tide if the town will continue to be sustainable.