Abstract:
Wetland loss and other land use change have been a major environmental concern over the past three decades as a result of human activities. This study analyzed the trend of wetland loss and other land use change in Port Harcourt Metropolis between 1990-2020, using Geographic Information System (GIS). To achieve this, research questions were postulated in order to achieve the aim of the study. The study utilized quasi-experimental design and made use of satellite imagery of Port Harcourt Metropolis of 1990, 2000 and 2020. The major land-use types identified in the study alongside wetlands include built up area, water bodies, farmland/sparse vegetation. The findings from the study revealed that in 1990 wetland occupied a spatial extent of 123.23 km2 (26.89%) of the land use pattern of the study area. Consequently, in year 2020, there was dramatic change as wetland size reduced to 44.61 km2 (9.74%) of the total land-use pattern of the study area. Markov's probability of land-use change for 30 years (2020-2050) showed that the probability of wetland changing to a built up area in the next 30 years (2050), was 0.0049 (0.49%). The study concluded that other land-use types especially built-up areas have continued to increased the rate and extent of wetland loss in the study area. The study recommended that adequate and continuous monitoring of wetlands by making use of satellite remote sensing should be encouraged in the study area. Also, there should be wetland protection and management policies with adequate enforcement mechanism. |
