AFRICAN JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCES

Assessment of Land Use/Land Cover Change and Vegetation Dynamics in Mokwa Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria

Andrew Aaron — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Land use and land cover (LULC) changes have significant implications for environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and natural resource management. This study assessed the spatial and temporal changes in land use/land cover in Mokwa Local Government, Niger State, Nigeria, between 2000 and 2020 using Landsat ETM (2000 and 2010) and Landsat OLI (2020) satellite imagery integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. Ground truthing was conducted to validate the classified images, while supervised image classification, change detection analysis, overlay operations, cross-tabulation, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were employed to quantify land cover transitions and vegetation dynamics. The result of this study revealed a progressive decline of vegetal cover of the study area from 228,691 hectares (53.3%) in the year 2000, to 171,170 hectares (39.8%) and 119,972 hectares (28.1%) in 2010 and 2020, respectively. On the contrary, built-up and bare surfaces increased from 23,351 hectares (5.4%) and 143,947.2 hectares (33.7%) in 2000 to 53,226 hectares (12.3%) and 181,305.1 hectares (42.3%) respectively in 2010 and a further increase in 2020. In addition, the result of the study revealed that the mean decadal trend of deforestation was 61%, which showed that the vegetation declined by about 61% from 2000 to 2020. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating remote sensing and GIS for monitoring land use dynamics and provides valuable information to support sustainable land-use planning, environmental conservation, and policy formulation aimed at mitigating further land degradation.

Assessment of the Long-Term Health Effects of Exposure to Landfill Sites in the Lagos Metropolitan Area: A Case Study of the Olusosun Landfill and its Surrounding Communities

Otusanya Oluwatosin Olayinka, Ubochi Innocent Ogubuike — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In urban areas of developing countries globally, prolonged exposure to municipal landfill sites, notably their impact on human health, is turning into a serious issue. The study focuses on the residents perceived long-term health impact of exposure to the Olusosun landfill site in Ojota, Lagos State. The study adopts a self-designed questionnaire administered through an online survey. A convenience sampling technique was adopted and sampled to participants residing within a 2-kilometre radius and analysed using descriptive statistics. The residents overwhelmingly agreed at a percentage of 99% and 91% that the environment and physical health, are the two main effects of the landfill site on surrounding communities, including effects like odour and foul smell, especially in the mornings and during the rainy season. The residents also identified indiscriminate disposal of waste in the neighbourhood proximate to the waste sites, stalled garbage trucks queuing to dispose of waste, among others. Particular concerns of the residents are the related health implications of the observed health issues, with 232 reporting skin irritability, 210 diarrhoea/dysentery, and 198 reporting other water-related diseases caused by contaminated groundwater. Despite the perceived health and environmental effects of the landfill, the study shows no statistical correlation between proximity to the landfill site in Olusosun and the residents' self-assessed health status. A longitudinal study of the area is advised to provide adequate comprehension of the proximity and health dynamics. A more effective, robust and environmentally sustainable waste management policy should be implemented to ensure the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of guaranteeing everyone's health and well-being, as well as access to clean water, improved sanitation, and sustainable urban and rural areas.

An Assessment of Land Management Practices for Sustainable Irrigation Farming in Numan Local Government Area, Adamawa State

Justina Kevin Amos, Helen H. Ray, Aisha Mubi, Bitrus Daniel Badar — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Irrigated agriculture is a critical strategy for enhancing food security in Nigeria, particularly in semi-arid regions where rainfall is unreliable. However, the sustainability of irrigation farming depends on the interaction between land management practices, soil–water chemistry, and crop productivity. This study assessed the sustainability of irrigation farming in Numan Local Government Area, Adamawa State, by examining farmers’ land management practices, the chemical properties of soil and water, and their relationship with crop yields. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining field surveys, laboratory analyses, and statistical techniques. Data were collected through 384 questionnaires administered to farmers, alongside 30 soil samples and 30 water samples, obtained across six wards. Laboratory tests assessed soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and exchangeable bases, while water samples were analysed for salinity, turbidity, and nutrient content. Results showed that 57% of farmers were small-scale producers cultivating 1-2 hectares, with 93% relying on flood irrigation, a method noted for inefficiency and soil degradation risks. Adoption of soil and water management practices was high, with mulching (59.9%) and crop rotation (36.5%) being the most common erosion control measures. Correlation analysis revealed that crop yields were positively and significantly associated with essential nutrients such as nitrate, potassium, phosphorus, organic carbon, and effective cation exchange capacity. Conversely, excess sodium, calcium, chloride, iron, zinc, and heavy metals showed strong negative correlation on yield, underscoring the risks of salinity and contamination. The findings suggest that while farmers demonstrate awareness of basic soil conservation practices, gaps remain in the adoption of efficient irrigation technologies and balanced nutrient management. The study concludes that irrigation sustainability in Numan is threatened by reliance on flood irrigation, salinity build-up, and nutrient imbalances. It recommends targeted farmer training, promotion of water-efficient irrigation systems, regular soil and water testing, and integrated land management policies to enhance productivity and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.

Urban Agriculture in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: Farmers’ Experiences, Constraints, and Livelihood Benefits

Chinedu J. Anyamele, Kingsley N. Anyamele, Ejeh O. Moses, Liman, Z. Irmiya — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Urban agriculture is widely practiced in Nigerian cities, yet studies in mid-sized cities like Jos have paid limited attention to how farmers experience, negotiate, and sustain farming under urban constraints. This study examined the experiences, challenges, and perceived benefits of urban agriculture among farmers in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State. A convergent mixed-methods design was adopted. Survey data were collected from 300 urban farmers selected through multistage sampling, and qualitative data were obtained from 20 in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions across four wards. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings showed that farming is predominantly small-scale and household-based, with most respondents cultivating vegetables on plots under half a hectare and farming year-round. Key constraints included insecure land tenure, high input costs, and seasonal water shortages, all of which were significantly associated with disruptions to farming activities. Despite these constraints, a majority of farmers reported improved household food access, additional income from sales, better health and well-being, and stronger community connections. Qualitative narratives confirmed that farming supports daily survival and social ties, even amid risks of eviction and environmental hazards. The study concludes that urban agriculture in Jos is essential to livelihood and food security but remains precarious in the absence of policy recognition and structural support. Recommendations include formal land-use zoning, input and water support, and strengthened market linkages.

Determinants of Spatial Accessibility to Childhood Vaccination Uptake in A Zero- Dose Risk Perspective

Abiodun Joel Oladejo, Adewuyi Oluwatoyin Akanbi, Rhoda Mundi — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Childhood vaccination is one of the most effective public health strategies for lowering child morbidity and mortality. However, the persistence of poor access and zero-dose continues to pose health challenges in many parts of Nigeria. This study examined the spatial accessibility determinants of childhood vaccination uptake and zero-dose risk perspective in the Plateau Northern zone, Plateau State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The study focused on women of childbearing age, 15-49 years, who had at least one child under the age of five. Taro Yamane's formula was used to select a sample size of 400 respondents. The study adopted a multistage random sampling technique, selecting sampling units sequentially at different stages to obtain a representative sample of the population, while data were collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square analysis, and binomial regression were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that 82.0% of respondents had no vaccination centres within their communities, and 85.0% indicated that outreach teams did not visit their communities. Respondents who had difficulty reaching the vaccination site 68.5% reported long distance as a challenge. The Chi-square Test showed a significant relationship between childhood vaccination uptake and the number of vaccination centres (χ² = 64.83, p < 0.001), outreach visits (χ² = 13.16, p = 0.001), and difficulties in reaching vaccination sites (χ² = 12.19, p = 0.007). Binary logistic regression further showed that the availability of vaccination centres significantly affected uptake (p = 0.023, COR = 2.255, 95% CI: 1.121–4.536), ease of locating vaccination sites was highly significant (p < 0.000, COR = 2.579, 95% CI: 1.786–3.725), and difficult access routes to vaccination centres were also significant (p = 0.017, COR = 1.380, 95% CI: 1.060–1.798). The study showed that spatial accessibility factors have a considerable impact on childhood immunization rates in the Plateau North Senatorial District. It suggests enhancing the spatial distribution of vaccination centres, improving transportation infrastructure, increasing outreach visits, and providing clear directional signposts to increase equitable access to routine childhood vaccination services and reduce low vaccination uptake in the study area.

Investigating the Role of Traditional Conservation Knowledge in Tourism Resource Management in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Tina Odinakachi Iirmdu, Gonap Elisha Gobin, Izang Ajik Dogo — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Traditional Conservation Knowledge (TCK) has become crucial for biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism in rural Nigeria; however, it is underutilised in tourism resource management. This study investigated TCK in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, utilising a mixed-methods approach that included field observations, questionnaires, and interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests, were employed to analyse the relationship between socio-economic factors and conservation practices. Findings revealed a high awareness of TCK, with sacred groves (31%) and cultural taboos (26%) as dominant conservation strategies. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between occupation and conservation practice (χ² = 9.76, p < 0.05), indicating that livelihood dependence strongly influences environmental stewardship. TCK was found to enhance biodiversity conservation, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable tourism. The study concludes that TCK integration into tourism policy through legal recognition, education, and co-management is essential for preserving tourism resources in Akwanga and other rural destinations.