Urbanization and Land Use/Land Cover Change in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria: A Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing and Socio-Economic Assessment

Abstract

Rapid urbanization is a major driver of land use and land cover (LULC) transformation, particularly in rapidly developing cities of sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined the impact of urbanization on LULC in Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the period 1994–2024. The study integrated multi-temporal Landsat satellite imagery, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), post-classification change detection and questionnaire data to assess the spatial and temporal dynamics of urban growth and its environmental and socio-economic implications. Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 7 ETM+ and Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS imagery for 1994, 2004, 2014 and 2024 were classified into four major LULC categories: built-up area, vegetation, bare surface and water body. A questionnaire survey involving 384 respondents was also used to assess perceived drivers and consequences of urbanization. The results revealed substantial transformation of the Jalingo landscape. Vegetation declined from 170.56 km² (87.47%) in 1994 to 50.39 km² (25.84%) in 2024, representing a net loss of 120.17 km². In contrast, built-up land increased from 4.30 km² (2.20%) to 18.06 km² (9.26%), while bare surfaces expanded from 18.60 km² (9.54%) to 124.68 km² (63.94%). The most rapid transformation occurred between 2004 and 2014, when vegetation declined by 81.57 km² while bare surfaces increased by 71.79 km² and built-up land by 10.46 km². Survey results indicated that government policies and initiatives, economic opportunities, population growth and infrastructure development were important perceived drivers of urbanization. Most respondents also perceived significant negative effects on agricultural land, livelihoods, food security and access to essential natural resources. The study concludes that urban growth in Jalingo has generated important economic and infrastructural benefits but has also produced substantial environmental degradation and socio-economic pressures. Strengthened land-use planning, protection of agricultural and ecological areas, urban greening, sustainable livelihood programmes, community participation and continuous GIS-based monitoring are recommended.