AFRICAN JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCES

Plant Species Response to Coal Mining Sites in Kogi State

2026-04-06T15:03:19+00:00

Coal mining activities are widely recognized for their capacity to alter species composition and ecological stability. This study assessed plant biodiversity responses to coal mining disturbance in the coal belt areas of Kogi East, Kogi State, Nigeria, using species diversity indices as ecological indicators. Vegetation data for this study were collected using line transects and nested quadrats. A total of 48 quadrats (50 × 50 m) were systematically laid along four parallel transects at 10 m intervals across Sites A, B, and C. From these, 24 quadrats were randomly selected using a table of random numbers, with eight quadrats chosen from each site, resulting in a total sample size of 24. Plant species diversity was quantified using the Shannon Wiener diversity index (H′), species richness, and Pielou’s evenness index (J′). Differences in diversity metrics among plot categories were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results revealed that the control site (Plot C) consistently recorded the highest median values for Shannon diversity (H′ ≈ 3.65), species richness (47.5 species), and evenness (J′ ≈ 0.960), accompanied by relatively low variability (IQRs ≈ 0.180, 8.25, and 0.015, respectively), indicating a stable and well-structured plant community. In contrast, mined plots exhibited lower median diversity values and greater dispersion, with Shannon diversity medians of 3.59 (Plot A) and 3.51 (Plot B), richness medians of 45.5 and 43.5 species, and evenness medians of 0.938 and 0.955, reflecting heterogeneous recovery and ecological instability. However, one-way ANOVA results indicated no statistically significant differences among plot categories for Shannon diversity (F₂,₂₁ = 0.78, p = 0.472), species richness (F₂,₂₁ = 0.37, p = 0.696), or Pielou’s evenness (F₂,₂₁ = 2.48, p = 0.108). The study provides baseline ecological data critical for vegetation restoration and biodiversity management in coal mining landscapes of Kogi East. It is recommended that targeted ecological restoration programs be implemented alongside long-term monitoring to mitigate the impacts of coal mining on vegetation.

Employee Satisfaction with Facilities Management Services in a Nigerian Private University: Evidence from Covenant University, Ota

2026-04-06T15:14:39+00:00

This study assessed employee satisfaction with facilities management services in higher educational facilities at Covenant University, Ota, focusing on staff of the College of Management and Social Sciences and the College of Leadership and Development Studies. A quantitative research method was adopted using an exploratory survey design and a structured questionnaire. From a population of 199 employees, selected purposively because they are directly involved in or affected by facilities services, making them appropriate for evaluating satisfaction levels, a sample size of 133 was determined at a 95% confidence level and 5% margin of error, with 121 valid responses retrieved for analysis. The questionnaire captured respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics and perceptions of facilities management services using closed-ended Likert scale items. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS], employing frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and the Relative Agreement Index [RAI]. Findings indicate that the respondents were largely professionally mature and highly educated, with 85.1% possessing qualifications above HND or B.Sc., 73.6% being teaching staff, and 67.8% occupying private offices. Awareness of facilities management services was generally high, enabling informed evaluations of service performance. High levels of satisfaction were recorded for car parking [mean = 4.00, RAI = 0.80], cleaning and waste management [mean = 3.94, RAI = 0.79], and water supply [mean = 3.92, RAI = 0.78], reflecting effective delivery of routine and visible services. Lower satisfaction levels were observed for termite treatment [mean = 2.84, RAI = 0.57], civil works [mean = 3.06, RAI = 0.61], and mechanical services such as air conditioning and plumbing [mean = 3.16, RAI = 0.63]. The frequency of complaints further showed that mechanical works ranked highest [mean = 3.55, RAI = 0.71], followed by civil works [mean = 3.36, RAI = 0.67] and cleaning services [mean = 3.11, RAI = 0.62]. The study concludes that while performance is strong in routine facilities services, improvements are required in technical and preventive maintenance to enhance overall employee satisfaction and institutional productivity.

Assessing the Contribution of Recreational Facilities to Ecosystem Services in Abuja, Nigeria

2026-04-06T15:30:25+00:00

This study evaluated the contribution of recreational facilities in Abuja, Nigeria, to the provision of ecosystem services. Twenty officially gazetted recreational facilities in the Federal Capital city, Abuja were stratified into three categories: Large Formal Parks, Commercial/Amusement Parks, and Neighbourhood Parks. Using a table of random numbers, two parks were selected from each category. A total of 462 questionnaires were administered to park users based on estimated visitation footfall, out of which 400 valid responses were retrieved, representing an 86.6% response rate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods. The results revealed significant variation in visitation patterns across park categories. Weekly visitation was highest in Neighbourhood Parks (34.57%), while Large Formal Parks recorded their highest visits monthly (30.48%) and during festive periods (28.34%). Commercial/Amusement Parks were predominantly patronised during festive periods (32.58%). Nature appreciation emerged as a major motivation for park users in Neighbourhood Parks (64.20%), while exercise and fitness were most prominent in Large Formal Parks (51.34%). Leisure and relaxation were particularly dominant in Commercial/Amusement Parks (50.00%). Furthermore, the dominant services provided by the park in the study area were cultural services, which included sporting and leisure activities, among others. While other ecosystem services, such as regulating, provisioning, and supporting services, were significantly low and often unavailable in most of the recreational facilities. This was largely due to the non-integration of ecosystem infrastructure during the design and review of the recreational facilities. In view of this, the study recommends the integration of ecological infrastructure into the recreational facilities to enhance the provision of ecosystem services.

Performance of Random Forest and Support Vector Machine Models for Drought Prediction in Kano, State, Northwest Nigeria

2026-06-02T22:15:33+00:00

Drought significantly impacts water resources, ecosystems, and human livelihoods, particularly in northern Nigeria, where rainfed agriculture is predominant. The effects, including reduced water supply, poor water quality, crop failure, environmental hazards, and civil unrest, are worsened by climate change, which increases drought frequency and severity. Monitoring the spatiotemporal dynamics of drought—severity, magnitude, intensity, duration, and extent—is critical for early warning, prevention, and preparedness. This study evaluates the effectiveness of machine learning models—Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM)—in predicting drought events in Kano State. Historical meteorological data (2012–2023) from the Visual Crossing Weather (VCW) dataset were validated using Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) data at a 0.05 confidence level. Key variables included precipitation, temperature, solar radiation, and indices such as SPI Gamma, SPEI, and Fisk Distribution. Results indicated irregular rainfall patterns, with a recovery from 2018. SPI3 Gamma and Pearson indices identified dry periods (2013–2018) and wet periods (2019–2022), while SPEI provided a more comprehensive drought assessment by integrating evapotranspiration. The RF model outperformed SVM in accuracy (66.8% vs. 65.7%) and precision (60.3% vs. 45.4%), effectively reducing false positives. Recall scores were comparable (66%), indicating both models reliably identified drought events. Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) performed well and in the absent of hydroclimatic data, the models offer valuable insights for improving climate resilience and drought preparedness in Kano State.

A Geospatial Analysis of Illegal Dumpsites in Abuja, Nigeria

2026-06-04T08:45:04+00:00

This study advanced geospatial analysis of illegal dumpsites in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Nigeria, to diagnose their spatial distribution patterns, identify statistically significant hotspots, assess compliance with environmental siting standards, and interpret findings through a spatial justice lens. A secondary analysis was performed on 36 georeferenced illegal dumpsites originally mapped by Mohammed et al. (2022). Nearest Neighbour Analysis (NNA), Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) with an 800m bandwidth, 500m

× 500m grid-based hotspot detection, and 1000m buffer analysis around residential areas and water bodies were applied using QGIS 3.44. NNA revealed strong clustering (Nearest Neighbour Index = 0.34, z-score = -8.42, p < 0.001). KDE identified three primary hotspots: the Apo-Durumi-Garki corridor (highest intensity), the Lugbe-Chika-Aleita axis, and the Utako-Jabi area. Grid analysis isolated five multi-site cells, including two cells containing three dumpsites each. Buffer analysis showed widespread violations: 87.2% of sites were located within 1000m of residential areas and 10.3% within 1000m of water bodies. Peri-urban districts (Apo/Gudu, Chika/Aleita, Lugbe) contained nearly 60% of all dumpsites, compared to minimal concentrations in planned high-income areas. The study concluded that illegal dumpsites in AMAC were not randomly distributed but formed statistically significant clusters reflecting systematic infrastructural exclusion and spatial injustice. Accordingly, we recommended: (1) a hotspot-first intervention targeting the five identified multi-site cells; (2) the establishment of legal transfer stations in Lugbe, Chika/Aleita, and Apo, sited at least 1000m from settlements; (3) equity-based service extension to underserved peri-urban districts; and (4) the institutionalization of geospatial hotspot monitoring to track service equity and intervention outcomes.

Do Canopy Gaps Impact Soil Properties in a Monoculture Tree Plantation? A Case Study of Tropical Hevea brasiliensis

2026-06-04T08:55:56+00:00

The study examined the impact of canopy gaps on soil properties in a tropical rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantation. The benchmarks for selecting canopy gaps and a systematic random sampling approach were adopted for the study. Fifteen (15) canopy gaps were selected, and soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-15 cm at 15 m intervals from both the center of the canopy gaps and the under-canopy of the adjoining trees. Thus, a total of 30 soil samples were collected and analyzed for their physicochemical properties. The manual gap center estimation method was adopted to establish the center of the canopy gap. Both descriptive and inferential statistics (Student’s t-test) were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that the gaps have higher contents of silt (174.00 g kg^-1), clay (80.66 g kg^-1), soil organic matter (4.98 g kg^-1), soil organic carbon (2.89 g kg^-1), total nitrogen (0.27 gkg^-1), available phosphorus (0.79 mgkg^-1), magnesium (1.68 mg kg⁻¹), potassium (0.85 mg kg⁻¹), zinc (5.31 mg kg⁻¹), copper (3.39 mg kg⁻¹), and iron (150.40 mg kg⁻¹), indicating their positive impacts. In contrast, the canopy gaps influenced sand (697.50 g kg^-1), pH (5.71), effective cation exchange capacity (12.50 cmolkg⁻¹), calcium (9.40 mg kg⁻¹), sodium (0.59 mg kg⁻¹), and manganese (71.86 mg kg⁻¹) negatively. However, the lower values of BD (1.32 Mg m^-3) observed in the gaps denote their positive influence on the soil. The study concluded that canopy gaps do impact soil properties in tropical Hevea brasiliensis plantations, and that soil properties respond differently to canopy gaps. The outcomes of this research contribute to a better understanding of the role of canopy gaps as ecological drivers of soil properties dynamics in a monoculture tree plantation such as Hevea brasiliensis, which is crucial for its functioning and sustainability.

Application and Assessment of Nature-Based Solution (Bamboo) as a Low-Cost Management Strategy for Gully-Impacted Sites in Anambra State, Nigeria

2026-06-04T09:33:21+00:00

Gully erosion represents one of the most severe environmental challenges in southeastern Nigeria, particularly in Anambra State, where intense rainfall, fragile soil structure, and anthropogenic activities accelerate land degradation. Conventional erosion control measures such as concrete retaining walls and engineered drainage systems are often expensive and difficult to implement in rural communities. This study evaluates the effectiveness of bamboo as a low-cost and locally available material for stabilizing gully-impacted sites. Using an experimental method, bamboo was applied in two forms: as infiltration pipes to channel surface runoff into the soil and as crib/retaining walls to reduce channel expansion and erosive force. Field measurements were conducted at the control point and the bamboo-installed point (treatment) to determine changes in rainwater runoff flow rate, infiltration capacity, and gully channel expansion rate. Statistical analysis using paired sample comparison indicated a significant reduction in runoff flow rate (32.7% reduction) after the introduction of bamboo infiltration pipes, while infiltration rates increased considerably (124.7% increase). Similarly, the installation of bamboo crib walls resulted in a measurable reduction of 53.2% in channel expansion and erosivity. The results demonstrate that bamboo-based interventions can effectively reduce surface runoff, enhance infiltration, and stabilize gully walls. The study concludes that bamboo offers a sustainable, affordable, and environmentally friendly strategy for gully erosion control in vulnerable areas of Anambra State and similar tropical environments. Government agencies and affected communities should promote bamboo-based erosion control methods in erosion-prone areas of the state. Bamboo is easily sourced, and early implementation of control measures would forestall further damage and destruction usually associated with gully-impacted sites.

Interlocking Constraints and Housing Quality in a Rapidly Urbanising Nigerian City: The Case of Benin City

2026-06-04T09:57:55+00:00

This paper investigates interlocking constraints and housing quality in Benin City, a rapidly urbanising African city. The research identifies constraints and opportunities for low-quality housing. A qualitative approach was employed in this study, and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Findings show that inadequate infrastructure service provisioning, inadequate monitoring, and inadequate planning, all of which are indicative of the government's "non- interference" policy, access to finance for the impoverished and middle class, the high cost and substandard quality of building materials, and the availability of unreliable and/or incompetent labourers amongst others are all interlocking constraints impacting the delivery of quality housing in Benin City. The delivery of quality accommodation in Benin City is adversely affected by the cumulative effect of these constraints and the informal financial constraints that operate in conjunction. This research makes a valuable contribution to the housing literature by recognising the interrelationships between these frequently overlooked obstacles in African cities. This study collectively illustrates that housing in Benin City is not solely the result of issues in a single dimension (finance, land, governance, labour, etc.), but rather the result of numerous interconnected constraints that operate in tandem, as well as daily coping mechanisms in rapidly expanding African cities.

Spatial Analysis of Noise Exposure from Commercial Music Shops in Jos South LGA

2026-06-04T10:22:38+00:00

Environmental noise pollution is an increasing public health concern in urban environments. This study assessed the spatial distribution of noise exposure from music shops in Jos South Local Government Area, Nigeria, and examined its public health implications. Data were collected from 120 respondents using questionnaires and field-based sound level measurements at 15 music shop locations across five distance intervals (0–20 m). Noise measurements were obtained during morning, afternoon, and evening periods over two consecutive weekdays. Descriptive statistics, GIS-based analyses, Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation, second-order trend surface modelling, residual analysis, and linear regression were used in the analyses. Results revealed extremely high noise levels at source points (mean = 109.13 dB), decreasing with distance but remaining above the recommended 55 dB limit at 20 m. IDW interpolation showed substantial spatial variability (104.8–113.2 dB), with pronounced noise hotspots in areas characterized by dense clusters of music shops. Trend surface analysis identified a broad spatial gradient in noise distribution, while residual mapping revealed localized hotspots and quieter zones associated with site-specific anthropogenic activities. Regression analysis demonstrated a strong inverse relationship between distance and noise intensity (R² = 0.975). Respondents reported disruption of communication, reduced concentration, and interference with daily activities, whereas awareness of noise regulations was generally low. The study concludes that music shops are major contributors to urban noise pollution and pose significant public health risks. It recommends stricter enforcement of noise regulations, increased public awareness, and the integration of noise control measures into urban planning and environmental management strategies.

Enclave Urbanism in Jos: Examining Security, Exclusivity, and Housing Commodification

2026-06-04T11:13:08+00:00

In rapidly urbanising African cities, gated residential enclaves have expanded as responses to insecurity and infrastructure deficits, offering residents both protection and social distinction. In Nigeria, this trend reflects a dual logic: affluent neighbourhoods function as status enclaves, while middle-income areas adopt gating primarily for crime prevention. In Jos Metropolis, shaped by a history of sectarian violence and recurrent insecurity, the demand for gated housing has intensified, with such developments increasingly perceived as both safe havens and symbols of prestige. This paper examined how insecurity drives gated development in Jos, how class and status contribute to the commodification of these enclaves, and how exclusivity reshapes urban cohesion. Drawing on comparative insights from other African cities and using a qualitative review methodology, the study synthesises comparative case studies alongside a thematic analysis of scholarly literature and policy documents, and finds that while insecurity is a key driver of enclave living, gated environments do not necessarily guarantee safety. Instead, they repackage security and lifestyle into market commodities, reinforcing socio-economic fragmentation. The paper concludes that the growth of gated enclaves in Jos, driven by fear and status aspirations, risks deepening spatial inequality and weakening social integration in an already polarised urban context. The paper recommends implementing inclusive urban security strategies, improving public infrastructure, and developing housing policies that promote social integration over spatial exclusion.

Geographical Spread and the Assessment of Critical Issues in Restorative and Transformative Justice in Nigeria: A Review.

2026-04-06T15:40:46+00:00

This paper examines the issues confronting restorative and transformative justice (RJ/TJ) in Nigeria. It described RJ/TJ as approaches in the justice system that focus on healing harm done, restoring the victim to their previous condition, restoring broken relationships as a result of harm, rehabilitating offenders, involving community members in justice delivery and the reconciliation process. The approach considers the society as a whole, and identifies problems inherent in its structure, such as inequality, poverty, broken homes and other defects that allow crime to thrive, and it seeks ways of resolving these problems to prevent the crime from occurring in the future. The paper explored the legal and policy framework of restorative and transformative justice in Nigeria. The paper also identified excessive discretion, punitive culture and institutional resistance, lack of cultural and historical context and poor implementation as some of the core issues that confront RJ/TJ in Nigeria. The Transformative Justice Theory and Braithwaite’s Reintegrative Shaming Theory were used as the theoretical framework to demonstrate the practical application of the RT/TJ in society. The paper concludes that if properly, fully, and effectively adopted and applied to justice delivery, RJ/TJ would significantly improve the justice system in Nigeria, and have a positive ripple effect by reducing the crime rate in society and increasing general development in Nigeria. The paper recommends, among others, that all states in the country should fully implement RJ/TJ, and the law should be modified to reduce or remove the discretionary power granted to justice officials in the application of RJ/TJ