Land use dynamics and planning problems in a rurban fringe environment: The case of Onitsha, Nigeria

Abstract

This article discusses the land use dynamics in the urban fringe of Onitsha—one of the fastest growing towns in Nigeria. It analyses the land conversion process In the city's rurban fringe and looks at the characteristic features of such a fringe environment, namely the loss of prime agricultural land in the urban fringe areas, the dysfunctional use of land in the zone and a confused administrative set-up to handle these problems. The land use planning implications associated with these characteristics are looked at.