LAND USE CHANGE ASSESSMENT IN KWANA-UKU FOREST RESERVE AND SAMERI COMMUNITY FORESTS ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This research assessed land use change of Government and Community forests in Ganye and Jada Local Government Areas of Adamawa State. Data were collected from two selected Forests. The study utilized land use datasets to examine the spatial extent and distribution of forest cover in both areas over two decades. The data used for analysis were satellite imageries downloaded from google earth between the year 2000 and 2020. In an effort to determine the change in land cover of the study area, three different images at ten-year (10) interval were used (2000, 2010 and 2020). Student t-test was used to compare the results of land use classification. Results obtained indicated that all the land cover classes changed (either increased or decreased) in the study areas over the given study period. Findings also unveiled a significant net negative change in forest land cover class with extensive significant increase in bare- surfaces and a remarkable reduction in vegetation. Expansion in bare surfaces in Sammeri community and Kwana uku forest study sites between year 2000 and 2020 were (+514.42%) and (+261.59%) at the expense of a reduction in forested areas which were (−46.75%) and (−56.95) respectively. Additionally, results proved forest stocks or resources were being depleted by anthropogenic agents, owing to their hostile effects which included; fuel wood collectors, farmers, animal grazing, bush burning and unregulated logging of trees. The study recommends the need for the implementation of sustainable forest management practices in the two forests, with further extension to other notable reserves across the country.