Dynamics of Land-Use Change in the Greater-Port Harcourt Phase 1, Rivers State, Nigeria (1989-2019)

Abstract

Greater-Port Harcourt has experienced dynamic change since its inception. The areas are being converted for development because most of the land has been developed and there is little or no land left for building residential areas. This development alters the terrain of the area, causing changes. The research method used in the study was descriptive survey research. Greater-Port Harcourt city was highlighted for its dynamic land-use change (Phase 1). The data source included various information from landsat 8 Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM) within or for the following epochs or periods: 1989, 1999, 2009, and 2019. The study discovered that an increase in uncoordinated human activity has caused changes in land-use. Waterbodies decreased by 215.8 km2 (62.09%) between 1989 and 2019, thick vegetation decreased by 386.6 km2 (24.12%), wetlands decreased by 29.9 km2 (11.48%), and built up area/open lands increased by 607.6 km2 (453.73%). The study recommends adequate and continuous monitoring of Land-Use activities; Land-Use activities should be protected and managed through Land-Use planning and conservation management.

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