This project analyzes satellite images from 1976, 1985 and 2000 of Dutse, Jigawa
state, in north-western Nigeria. The analyzed satellite images were used to
determine land-use and vegetation changes that have occurred in the land-use
from 1976 to 2000 will help recommend possible planning measures in order to
protect the vegetation from further deterioration.
Studying land-use change in north-western Nigeria is essential for analyzing
various ecological and developmental consequences over time. The north-western
region of Nigeria is of great environmental and economic importance having land
cover rich in agricultural production and livestock grazing. The increase of
population over time has affected the land-use and hence agricultural and
livestock production.
On completion of this project, the possible land use changes that have taken place
in Dutse will be analyzed for future recommendation. The use of supervised
classification and change detection of satellite images have produced an economic
way to quantify different types of landuse and changes that has occurred over
time.
The percentage difference in land-use between 1976 and 2000 was 37%, which is
considered to be high land-use change within the period of study. The result in
this project is being used to propose planning strategies that could help in
planning sustainable land-use and diversity in Dutse.