LANDCOVER AND ECOLOGICAL CHANGE IN JOS SOUTH LGA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA (1993 – 2023)

ABSTRACT This study employed GIS and remote sensing in mapping land cover and ecological change for the years 1993, 2003, 2013, and 2023 to detect changes that may have taken place in the area between these periods. The study also employed a well-structured questionnaire to identify the drivers of change and resulting ecological consequences along with possible sustainable management practices. A mixed-method approach was adopted, including spatial data capturing and questionnaire capture. Data analysis involved the maximum likelihood classification (supervised classification), generating areas in square kilometers (km²), and change detection analysis by a union of layers. Results revealed the largest land cover conversion was from bare land to vegetation, taking about 15.09% from 1993 to 2023. A general decrease in bare lands was observed from 1993 to 2023, with 8.85% of the total built-up area, rock outcrops, and water bodies decreasing by 2.18%, 4.54%, and 0.96%, respectively. Vegetation and degradation, however, increased by 16.17% and by 0.37% over the years. Vegetation increases are here attributed to the improvements in agricultural activity, afforestation and reforestation, orchards, or agroforestry and also the incessant crises in the region leading to the abandoning of communities and displacement of people, and in some instances, homes or infrastructure left derelict. And bare land showing significant reclamation of eroded lands to fertile lands and increased quarrying activities in Jos South LGA. The major drivers of change identified are population growth, expansion of agriculture, incessant crisis, mining activities, and deforestation for fuelwood and timber. The result also shows the destruction of the natural habitat of many species, disruption of the natural flow of water, soil health and fertility, global climate change, and loss of biodiversity as the foremost ecological consequences of land cover conversion from natural ecosystems to other types. The study, however, concluded that reforestation and afforestation practices, sustainable urban planning practices, promoting sustainable forestry practices, and educating and empowering communities should be considered to curtail the rate at which these changes occur. Keywords: Land use, Land cover, Changes, Remote sensing, Jos South, GIS.