Abstract
Wetlands are not wastelands as believed in time past but areas of land that play important roles in climate change mitigation through conservation and preservation; poverty alleviation through job creation; as well as food security through sustainable wetland agriculture. The importance of wetlands cannot be overemphasized, hence the need to use them wisely and sustainably. However, despite the important roles played by wetlands, wetland resources are still endangered by increase in population, rapid urbanization, mining and pollution among others. This study is aimed at examining the spatial changes in wetland configuration in Akure with a view to providing information that will enhance sustainable development of wetlands in the city. Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (RS & GIS) techniques was used to do a land use classification of the study area to determine the extent of the change in the spatial configuration of wetlands over a period of 33 years using 1986 as the base year; 1999, 2009 and 2019 as the cardinal years. The study revealed a rapid increase in built up throughout the study period, a decline in vegetation and rock outcrop and both increase and decline of wetlands at varying times. During the 2009-2019 periods, wetlands increased substantially to 106.16 km<sup>2</sup> which is a significant portion of the study area but with clear indications of possible encroachment and degradation in the future if developments are not controlled. The study therefore recommends proper monitoring and control of developments in the study area and suggests the use of wetland zones as green belts in form of wetlands vegetation or agriculture.
Highlights
Wetlands are marshy areas made of soil and water
This study examines the spatial changes in the configuration of wetlands in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (RS & GIS) techniques to do a land use classification of the study area to determine the extent of the change in the spatial configuration of wetlands over a period of 33 years using 1986 as the base year; 1999, 2009 and 2019 as the cardinal years, with a view to providing information that will enhance sustainable development of wetlands in Akure
The study revealed a rapid increase in built up areas in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State from 14.06 in 1986 to 63.28 in 2019 and gives a clear indication that the activities of man on the environment has brought about in the area which has led to changes in the spatial configuration of landuse/landcover types
Summary
Wetlands are marshy areas made of soil and water. They are places where water meets land; found from the coast to the mountains [22], covering about 7% of the earth’s surface [1]. They are not wastelands as believed in time past; but wealth lands that play a significant role in poverty alleviation [6]. Wetland ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, floodplains and marshes provide many services that contribute to human wellbeing and poverty alleviation [5]. Mohammed sees wetlands as the life wires to many economic activities such as crop cultivation, fishing, livestock rearing etc [6]
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