Assessment of the Impact of Changes in Land-use Land-Cover and Land Surface Temperature on Vegetal Resources in Taraba State Central Zone Nigeria (1987 to 2022)
Abstract:
This study assesses the impact of land-use and land-cover (LULC) changes and land surface temperature (LST) variations on vegetal resources in the Taraba State Central Zone, Nigeria, from 1987 to 2022. Using multi-tem- poral remote sensing data and geospatial analysis, the research examines LULC transformations, temperature dynamics, and their implications for vegetation health and distribution. Findings reveal significant deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization, leading to a marked decline in vegetal cover. Built-up areas and bare land increased, contributing to higher LST, particularly in urbanized and deforested regions. A weakening cor- relation between the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and LST over time suggests that other envi- ronmental factors, including climate change and land degradation, are influencing temperature patterns beyond vegetation loss. The study also finds that elevation-related temperature regulation has diminished, indicating that anthropogenic activities now play a more dominant role in temperature variations. These changes have resulted in biodiversity loss, increased soil degradation, and disrupted hydrological cycles, adversely affecting ecosystem stability and local livelihoods. Comparisons with previous studies indicate alignment with global trends of urban heat islands and deforestation-driven warming, though variations exist due to limited afforestation efforts and regional socio-economic dynamics. The study underscores the need for sustainable land management, afforesta- tion programs, and climate adaptation strategies to mitigate environmental degradation. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers and environmental planners in addressing climate-induced vegetation changes in Nigeria’s savanna-forest transition zone.
