Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between land degradation and peri-urban dynamics in Eleyele, Adetokun, Alafara and Ologuneru, interface of Ibadan city, Nigeria. It provides an analysis of the environmental, economic, and social drivers that have been identified as being responsible for the observed land degradation in the study. The research was conducted through quantitative and qualitative analytical approaches for the assessment of data from both primary and secondary sources. The data revealed that land degradation was caused by a variety of factors including sand lifting, overgrazing, unplanned developments, deforestation, and construction activities. Three hundred and forty-six (346) questionnaires were administered on the four communities within Ibadan North-West and Ido Local Government Areas, Oyo State. The sampled communities are: Eleyele 70, Adetokun 148, Alafara 86 and Ologuneru 42. Only 325 were recovered, leaving 21 missing. Through satellite imagery and remote sensing capturing of the study area, the growth trend, land use classification and land degradation spots in retrospect for 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020 were mapped out. Developed and undeveloped areas stand at 71% and 29% of the total landmass respectively. This result illustrates that there is a strong link between land degradation and peri-urban dynamics. The research concludes that land degradation has serious implications for the peri-urban area, reducing access to land resources, reducing soil fertility, and increasing soil degradation and pollution. As such, it is important for municipalities to take proactive measures to prevent land degradation and to empower the local communities in the process of sustainable land management.

Key words: Land classification, Land degradation, Peri-Urban dynamics, Satellite imagery