A Temporal Assessment of the Effects of Land Use on Land Cover in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State

Abstract

Land use and vegetation in Ezza South, Nigeria have changed significantly due to population growth, agricultural expansion, urbanization, and deforestation, leading to conversion of forests into farmland and settlements. These changes have caused biodiversity loss and environmental problems such as erosion, flooding, desertification, and reduced ecosystem stability. This study examines the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and vegetation change in Ezza South Local Government Area (LGA), Ebonyi State, Nigeria, between 2000 and 2024 using geospatial techniques. Multi-temporal satellite imagery from the Sentinel-2 (Google Dynamic World dataset) and Landsat archives was analyzed within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to generate Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) maps and assess long-term vegetation health through the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The results reveal significant landscape transformation characterized by extensive deforestation, rapid agricultural expansion, and increasing urbanization. Forest cover declined sharply, largely converted to farmland, while built-up areas expanded steadily in response to population growth and socio-economic pressures. NDVI trends showed strong seasonal variability but no long-term greening, underscoring the stress on vegetation health and ecological stability. The findings highlight the critical role of anthropogenic drivers such as agriculture, urbanization, and mining in shaping environmental change. This research contributes timely spatial evidence for policymakers, land managers, and environmental agencies, emphasizing the need for sustainable land management, reforestation, and integrated urban planning to mitigate further degradation and ensure ecological resilience in Ezza South.