Analysis of the urban expansion for the Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

African cities are experiencing uncontrolled expansion. The focus of this paper is to evaluate the impact of urban expansion on landuse types of Akure for the period of 1972 to 2009 . In analyzing the urban expansion of the city, 1972 MSS, 1986 Landsat Thematic TM and Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM + ) images for 2002 and 2009 satellite image captured from googleearth website were used in a post classification comparison analysis to map the spatial dynamics of landuse / land cover changes and identify the urban expansion of Akure. Questionnaire was also used to determine the factors responsible for the expansion of Akure. The findings showed a rapid expansion in the built-up are a of Akure from 1,00% in 1972 to 2,46% in 1986, 2,46% in1986 to 3,90% in 2002 with an annual growth rate of 10,63% and 3,66% due to increasing population of Akure within these periods respectively. Prediction made showed that the built-up of Akure would expand to 2,66% in 2022 . The study recommends review of the outdated 1980 master plan and development control mechanism that will guide the rapid expansion that had been accompanied by loss of vegetation in Akure.