The land surrounding Edo and Delta states is continuously changing, requiring
satellite images and extensive field assessment to monitor and manage. This
information is significant in mapping and identifying the temporal and spatial
patterns of land use and land cover change, especially with the ongoing conflict
regarding oil activities and illegal logging
This study employed the use of Landsat TM and ETM to assess the changes in
the land using post-classification comparison change detection technique.
Detailed ‘from-to’ statistical information was generated and put into the model.
The combination of the application of remote sensing, modelling and field work,
assisted in achieving the objectives of the study, which includes the
identification of the key driving forces of land use and land cover change in Edo
and Delta states. The post classification of the image showed that 53% of the
total area underwent some changes. Results indicate that the forests are being
lost at alarming rate of 3.7%, due to a number of socio-economic and political
factors driving these changes. The model projections tested various scenarios
of land cover change. These models also analysed the relationship between
population and land use and land cover changes (agricultural land to be exact)