RURAL LAND USE ON AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN IKWERE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Abstract

Abstract Rural land use plays a critical role in shaping agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and community livelihoods. In Ikwere Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, rapid urbanization and land-use changes have raised concerns about their effects on agriculture. This study examines the impact of rural land use on agricultural activities in Ikwere LGA between 2010 and 2023, focusing on the patterns of land use and their socio-economic drivers. The study employed satellite imagery processed using ArcGIS software, which classified the region into five land cover types: natural vegetation, agricultural land, built-up areas, bare land, and water bodies. The Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC) algorithm was used to track land use changes over the years. Additionally, a survey of 389 residents provided insights into the socio-economic factors influencing land use decisions. Findings revealed significant shifts in land use between 2010 and 2023, primarily driven by urbanization. In 2010, Ikwere LGA was largely covered by dense vegetation (597.7 km²), with built-up areas occupying only 47.2 km². However, by 2023, built-up areas had expanded to 80.5 km², while dense vegetation drastically declined to 418.4 km². The increase in bare soil from 94.1 km² in 2020 to 110.7 km² in 2023 suggests growing land degradation, potentially leading to soil erosion and biodiversity loss. Urbanization, spurred by population growth, industrialization, and rising land demand for housing and infrastructure, was identified as the primary factor behind these changes. Economic development, coupled with rising land prices and government policies that prioritize urban expansion over agriculture, further reduced the availability of agricultural land. Cultural practices, such as land inheritance and communal ownership, also influenced land use decisions. The study underscores the urgent need for sustainable land use planning in Ikwere LGA to mitigate the adverse effects of urban expansion on agricultural productivity and environmental health. Without intervention, continued deforestation and land degradation could undermine food security and the livelihoods of rural communities. In conclusion, this research highlights the critical link between rural land use and agricultural sustainability, urging policymakers to balance urban development with the preservation of agricultural and natural landscapes.