Hydrological changes and water resource management: Insights from LULC Analysis in Southeastern Nigeria

Land use and land cover (LULC) changes are critical indicators of environmental dynamics and human activities. In southeastern Nigeria, the Ezza North, Ezza South, Abakalik, and Ikwo LGAs have experienced substantial LULC changes from 2017 to 2023. Understanding these changes is vital for sustainable environmental management and development planning. The study aims to analyze the LULC changes between 2017 and 2023 in the specified LGAs and assess their environmental, economic, and social implications. This analysis will inform policy recommendations for sustainable land management. The study utilized satellite imagery and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to compare LULC data from 2017 and 2023. The data were classified into categories such as built-up areas, tree cover, croplands, rangelands, flooded vegetation, bare ground, and water bodies. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was also used to analyze the slope and its impact on land use and hydrological processes. The analysis revealed significant changes in LULC. Built-up areas expanded from 16.84 km² in 2017 to 66.54 km² in 2023, indicating rapid urbanization. Tree cover decreased from 156.40 km² to 101.76 km², reflecting considerable deforestation. Croplands increased from 90.80 km² to 124.65 km², showing a rise in agricultural activities. Rangelands, although still the dominant land cover, slightly decreased from 1353.11 km² to 1329.08 km². Flooded vegetation and bare ground areas also saw reductions, while water bodies experienced a slight increase. The expansion of built-up areas highlights the ongoing urbanization driven by population growth and economic development. This urban sprawl often results in habitat loss, fragmentation, and increased pollution. The reduction in tree cover points to significant deforestation, likely due to agricultural expansion and urban development, leading to adverse effects like reduced carbon sequestration and increased soil erosion. The increase in croplands is essential for food security but necessitates sustainable practices to prevent environmental degradation. The slight decrease in rangelands underscores the need for sustainable grazing practices to maintain ecosystem health. The reductions in flooded vegetation and bare ground indicate changes in hydrological regimes and successful land reclamation efforts, respectively. The increase in water bodies, although minimal, underscores the importance of water resource management in the region. The LULC changes in the Ezza North, Ezza South, Abakalik, and Ikwo LGAs from 2017 to 2023 reflect significant environmental transformations with profound implications. The findings highlight the need for integrated land management strategies to balance urbanization, agricultural expansion, and environmental conservation. Effective policies must address the challenges of deforestation, soil erosion, and sustainable water resource management to ensure long-term ecological and economic stability. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of LULC changes in a rapidly developing region of southeastern Nigeria, combining satellite imagery with GIS techniques and slope analysis. The insights gained are critical for informing sustainable land use policies and mitigating the adverse impacts of rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion.