The Effect of Urban Expansion on Peripheral Agricultural Lands in Makurdi City

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of urban sprawl on peripheral agricultural lands in Makurdi City over the period 1999-2012. The study conducted a land use and vegetation cover change (LULCC) analysis using remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) data to analyze two epochs of Land Sat imagery, 1999 and 2012, acquired to achieve the objective. It was found that between 1999 and 2012, urban sprawl had a negative impact on peripheral agricultural land in Makurdi town, as it significantly reduced peripheral agricultural land. The study also revealed that despite the adverse impact of urban sprawl on peripheral agricultural lands in Makurdi town, its socio-economic impact has led to the establishment of infrastructural facilities such as roads, electricity, markets, and parks. Therefore, the study recommended that the agricultural landscape plan be incorporated by the government into urban land use planning systems so that urbanization does not interfere with agricultural activities and thus maximize their collective benefits.