Kaduna Journal of Geography
Not a member yet
50 research outputs found
Sort by
Examining the Relationship between Green Space Depletion and the Urban Heat Island Effect in Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto State, Nigeria
No full textThis study examined green space depletion (GSD) and its relationship with the urban heat island (UHI) effect in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria. Landsat TM, ETM+, and OLI/TIRS bands and land surface temperature (LST) data for the periods 2000, 2015, and 2025 were obtained from the USGS Earth Explorer. The images were analysed, where land surface temperature (LST) extent, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were generated. Analysis of NDVI maps for the period indicates a consistent decline in vegetation cover, where vegetated areas decreased from approximately 42% in 2000 to 32% in 2015 and further to approximately 20% in 2025. This represents a total vegetation loss of more than 50% over 25 years across the metropolis. Findings reveal that the city experienced a nearly 100% increase in high-temperature surface coverage within 25 years, confirming a rapidly intensifying UHI effect. There is a significant negative correlation between the LST and NDVI, indicating that low NDVI values tend to have relatively high LST values, contributing to the formation of UHI hotspots. Central, southern, and western areas (Mabera, Kasarawa, Runjin Sambo, and Guiwa low-cost/Guiwa village) exhibited high UHI intensity. These areas happened to get minimal green spaces. The study concludes that there is spatial concurrence of GSD and UHI hotspots. This manifested in a clear spatial association between areas of GSD and UHI hotspots; impervious, densely built areas that exhibit higher LSTs. This study recommends robust re-greening efforts and the safeguarding of green spaces in the Sokoto metropolis to mitigate the UHI effect
Analysis of Rainfall Variability, Trends, and Anomalies in Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria (2002-2022)
No full textRainfall variability greatly influences vegetation distribution, growth, and density. This study analysed rainfall variability, trends, and the Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI) in Gashaka Gumti National Park from 2002 to 2022, using annual average gridded rainfall data from the Climatic Research Unit (CRU_TS 4.07). The coefficient of variation (CV) was utilised to assess the rainfall data. The study employed the Modified Mann-Kendall Trend Test to evaluate trends, and the Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI) was used to identify rainfall anomalies within Gashaka Gumti National Park. The results, with a CV of 25%, showed a mean rainfall of 1365 mm and a standard deviation of 148 mm. The modified Mann-Kendall trend test at a 95% confidence level produced a Z score of 0.507, a Kendall’s tau coefficient of 0.048, and a P-value of 0.613, along with Sen’s Slope estimate of 1.003. These outcomes indicate that the P-value exceeds the significance level of 0.05, suggesting no statistically significant trend. The analysis further shows that the variability in annual rainfall decreases over the period from 2002 to 2022. However, this decline did not show a statistically significant trend. The Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI) results show wet RAI in 2002 and 2003 (+3.89 and +3.33) and dry RAI in 2008 and 2009 (-4.19 and -3.27). A severe dry RAI was recorded in 2011, with an RAI of -10.66. Additionally, 2012 and 2016 experienced notably wet RAI (+4.09 and +7.24), while 2015 showed a dry RAI of -4.23. This study recommends adopting an adaptive management framework based on rainfall anomaly patterns rather than long-term averages to enhance the ecological resilience of Gashaka Gumti National Park
Community Perception on The Effect of Rural Road Development on Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion in The Yobe North, Yobe State, Nigeria
No full textThis study evaluated the effect of rural road development on poverty reduction and social inclusion in Northern Yobe District. The objectives of the study were to examine the impact of rural road development on poverty reduction among households and assess the role of rural road development in promoting social inclusion within Communities, thereby evaluate the challenges and effectiveness of rural road development in enhancing sustainable livelihoods in the study area. The study adopted a survey design with a sample of 399 respondents drawn from the target population. A structured questionnaire instrument on 4-point scale was used and administered and result was analysed using SPSS. The findings revealed that rural road development has significantly improved access to markets, education, and health facilities, thereby contributing to poverty reduction among rural households. Similarly, the projects enhanced social inclusion by facilitating mobility, strengthening community interactions, and promoting access to government and social services. However, challenges such as poor maintenance, inadequate funding, and seasonal flooding hinder the sustainability of the roads. The study concludes that rural road development plays a critical role in improving the socio-economic well-being of rural dwellers. Therefore, it was recommended that an improved maintenance, adequate funding, and community participation are needed to sustain the gains of the projects
Soil Quality Assessment Near a Solid Waste Dumpsite in Awka, Southeastern, Nigeria
No full textSolid waste dumpsite, as seen in many urban centers like Awka, southeastern Nigeria constitute a major risk factor to soils in its vicinity, which could result from leachate infiltration that contains heavy metals and altered physiochemical properties. This study assessed the impact of solid waste dumps on soil quality in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at 3(three) different points denoted as (SP A, SP B, SP C). Samples were analyzed for heavy metals (Lead, Copper, Zinc, Mercury, Chromium) and other parameters using an AA Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Data generated from the study were subjected to statistical analysis, such as mean, range, standard deviation, and correlation analysis. Results revealed that pH level ranged from 7 to 7.85 in the topsoil and 6-7 in the subsoil. Nitrite and Nitrate were below the permissible limits. However, heavy metals (chromium, zinc, copper, and lead) showed a moderate concentration, although they were still below permissible limits, with sample point B showing a higher concentration. On the other hand, sulphate (300-1000mg/kg) and phosphate (2466-9888mg/kg) were extremely higher than the other heavy metals. Results also indicated that most heavy metals showed a pollution index below 1. However, an increase was noticed in zinc for sample point B and sulphate for sample point A, which were above the permissible limit of 1. The most significant finding was the exceedingly high value of phosphate, which was (49-118), indicating serious contamination. Although the analyzed soil sampling points exhibited non- carcinogenic risk as nitrate, nitrite, Zinc, copper, chromium showed HQ< 1, except lead with HI >1in Sulphate and phosphate, which were also with HI>1indicating that unsafe potential non-cancer adverse effects could happen, resulting in serious environmental challenges. The study therefore recommends that regular monitoring of sulphate and phosphate levels, particularly at SP B and SP A, and the recycling and composting of waste, be undertaken to ensure environmental sustainability
Assessment of Density and Smallholder Farmers’ Perceptions of Tamarindus indica L. in Parkland Agroforestry Systems of Gumel Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria
No full textParkland agroforestry systems in the Sahel are critical for livelihoods and ecosystem services, yet they face escalating degradation. The specific status of key indigenous species like Tamarindus indica L., vital for soil fertility and farmer resilience, remains inadequately documented in many areas, including the Gumel region of Jigawa State, Nigeria. This study assessed the density of T. Indica and smallholder farmers’ perceptions of its status and ecological roles within these threatened systems. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining field inventories across four purposively selected wards (Baikarya, Dantanoma, Garin Barka, and Gusau) with semi-structured interviews (n=60) and focus group discussions (n=4). Quantitative data on tree density were analysed using ANOVA, while qualitative data from interviews and FGDs were processed through thematic and sentiment analysis. Results revealed a critically low mean density of T. Indica (0.001125/m²) with no significant differences between locations. Farmers unanimously perceived a decline in the species, primarily attributing it to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and low levels of active regeneration, due to socio-economic pressures and knowledge gaps. The study concludes that despite recognizing its value, a disconnect between farmer awareness and conservation action threatens the species’ persistence. The study recommends integrated conservation strategies that combine targeted scientific research, farmer education, and policy reforms grounded in local knowledge to ensure the sustainable management and utilization of T. Indica
Resilience Pathways in Flood-Prone Hadejia River Using Relative Importance Index Approach for Targeted Mitigation Strategies
No full textFloods are among the most devastating consequences of global warming and can cause unprecedented disruptions in the operations of contemporary communities. Despite global efforts to increase flood resilience, the local pathways driving increasing flood risk in the Hadejia River remain poorly quantified, hindering the development of effective, targeted mitigation strategies. This study addresses this critical knowledge gap by identifying and prioritizing the key physical and socioeconomic drivers of flood risk in the Hadejia River, Jigawa State, Nigeria. The study employed a field reconnaissance survey, which utilized a structured questionnaire as the primary instrument, to collect baseline data from a sample of 400 households across flood-prone communities between August 2023 and January 2024. The collected data were analysed via the relative importance index (RII) technique to objectively rank the significance of the identified flood drivers. The results indicate that riverbed siltation (RII=0.87) is the most significant factor influencing flood risk, followed closely by steep side channels (RII=0.86) and prolonged periods of rainfall (RII=0.86). Other critical contributors include a high number of tributaries discharging into the main river (RII=0.84), urbanization (RII=0.82), and the presence of Typha grass and water weeds (RII=0.82). However, the analysis confirmed that socioeconomic factors, such as land use changes, river diversion, and urban expansion, significantly influence the flood vulnerability of the basin. These findings provide a clear, evidence-based prioritization of flood pathways, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions, specifically desilting and channel management, to increase flood resilience, improve infrastructure, and support community adaptation strategies in the Hadejia River Basin
Geospatial Inequities in Access to Public Primary Healthcare Centers: Socioeconomic Vulnerability and Policy Drivers in Kaduna State, Nigeria
No full textThis study evaluates the spatial justice of Public Primary Healthcare Centres (PPHCs) distribution across Kaduna State’s 255 electoral wards, critiquing the rigid "one PPHC per ward" mandate. Using a mixed-methods approach, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping was integrated with a household survey (N=400). Results reveal a systemic mismatch: while 100% of wards have a facility, only 42% meet national population-to-facility standards. Severe overcrowding exists in the North (72.41%) and Central (83.95%) zones, with ratios exceeding 1:40,000. ANOVA results (F=18.42, p < 0.001) confirm significant zonal disparities in access quality. Furthermore, Pearson Correlation identified a "Proximity-Poverty Paradox," where household income (r = 0.64) and transport costs (r = -0.58) are stronger predictors of access than distance among the 87.96% living in poverty. The study concludes that current administrative allocation prioritizes territorial equality over equity of outcome. Policy must transition toward GIS-guided Maximum Coverage Location Models (MCLM) and aggressive expansion of the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) to decouple healthcare access from income and achieve Universal Health Coverage
Assessment of Hydroclimatic Trends and Water Availability Dynamics in Mubi North, Adamawa State, Nigeria
No full textWater availability in semi-arid regions is highly sensitive to fluctuations in climate and land-surface processes; however, the limited knowledge of long-term hydroclimatic behavior in northeastern Nigeria limits effective resource management. This work investigated four decades of hydroclimatic variability (1985-2024) in Mubi North, Adamawa State, exploring the interlinkages between temperature, precipitation, runoff, soil moisture, vapour pressure, and water deficit. Data were gathered from the Climate Engine website through the TerraClimate and GRIDMET datasets (~4-km resolution). Monthly records were summarized into annual means. Analyses used the Mann-Kendall trend test, Sen\u27s slope estimator, and Pearson correlation to assess the trends and interdependencies. Among the more pronounced changes, minimum temperature increased by +0.41 °C per decade, runoff by +1.9 mm/year, soil moisture by +3.4 mm/year, and vapor pressure by +0.12 kPa per decade, with a reduction in water deficit by -2.6 mm/year, thus signalling an improvement in water availability despite ongoing warming. In addition, maximum temperature and precipitation increased insignificantly, at +0.09 °C per decade and +2.8 mm/year, respectively. Highly statistically significant positive correlations between precipitation, runoff, and soil moisture (r = 0.756-0.932, p < 0.001) confirm rainfall as the dominant driver of hydrology, while land-surface conditions affect storage and flow responses. Overall, this study has shown that Mubi North has undergone significant hydroclimatic transformation driven by warming, increased soil moisture, enhanced runoff, and reduced water stress. To ensure the continuation of such positive changes, this study prioritizes integrated land-water management that promotes soil moisture conservation through, for instance, agroforestry and mulching, erosion control, and climate-resilient agricultural planning supported by regular hydroclimatic monitoring and land-use studies to enhance adaptive water policies in semi-arid northeastern Nigeria
Quantifying the Spatiotemporal Nexus between Deforestation and Land Surface Temperature Rise in a Semi-Arid African City: A 20-Year Geospatial Analysis of Katsina Metropolis, Nigeria
No full textRapid urbanization in semi-arid Africa often triggers deforestation, raising concerns about its impact on urban microclimates and the intensification of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. This study provides a rigorous 20-year geospatial analysis of the relationship between deforestation and Land Surface Temperature (LST) in Katsina Metropolis, Nigeria, a rapidly growing city in the semi-arid Sudan Savanna. Using Landsat satellite imagery (2002, 2012, 2022), we quantified vegetation cover change via the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and retrieved LST using the mono-window algorithm. Our findings reveal a significant degradation of dense vegetation, which declined by 23.1% (a loss of 5.51 km²), while non-vegetated areas expanded by 59.6% (a gain of 17.13 km²). This land cover transformation was accompanied by a pronounced rise in LST, with the mean temperature increasing by 2.5°C and the minimum temperature rising sharply by 5.6°C, indicating an intensified and persistent UHI effect. Critically, correlation analysis demonstrated a strong and strengthening negative relationship between NDVI and LST, with the coefficient of determination (R²) increasing to 0.81 by 2022. This confirms that vegetation loss is the dominant driver of urban warming in this semi-arid setting. The study concludes that unchecked urban expansion at the expense of green spaces poses a significant environmental threat, and it underscores the urgent need for integrated urban greening strategies as a primary component of climate-resilient planning in semi-arid African cities
Assessment of Urban Expansion in Parts of Kaduna Metropolis and Its Driving Factors
No full textRapid urban expansion has continued to pose challenges to people living in urban areas. This study assessed the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) and the extent of urban expansion in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria, over the period 2004–2024. Multitemporal Landsat satellite imagery from Landsat 7 (2004) and Landsat 8 (2014 and 2024) was obtained from the United States Geological Survey and classified using the Decision Tree method into five LULC classes: built-up areas, vegetation, grasses, bare land, and water bodies. Quantitative analysis was conducted to assess the area, magnitude, and rate of LULC changes, while qualitative Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were analyzed to identify factors contributing to urban expansion. The results of the study reveal a substantial increase in built-up areas from 95.5 km2 (5.2%) in 2004 to 435.7 km2 (23.7%) in 2024, reflecting rapid urbanization. Bare land decreased sharply between 2004 and 2014 but partially recovered by 2024, while vegetation exhibited marked expansion from 2004 to 2014, followed by a decline in 2024. Grasses remained relatively stable, and water bodies showed minimal variation, indicating limited hydrological changes. The result highlights significant conversion of non-built-up areas to urban land, indicating accelerated urban expansion over the two decades. The study provides critical insights for urban planning and sustainable land management in rapidly urbanizing Nigerian cities