ABSTRACT

Urbanization has resulted in the loss of forest habitat and fragmentation of forested areas in Nigeria. This study assessedurban growth and its impact on forested areas in Owerri metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria. Landsat Satellite Imagery and other related software platforms were used in the analysis of the land use and land cover change in the study area. The study found out that in 2000, 2010 and 2020, the forest area accounted for 42.34, 34.4 and 23.25% of the total area respectively. This shows a substantial decline of 19.1%; and by implication, a loss of about 106.06sq km. Water bodies decreased from 44.06% in 2000 to 23.34% in 2020. Bare ground and green area also experienced changes, with bare ground increasing from 26.02% in 2000 to 40.26% in 2020, and green area increasing from 33% in 2000 to 39% in 2020. The correlation analysis shows a strong correlation between forest size and urban growth. This can be attributed to urban changes and other land uses, such as the expansion of built-up areas, bare ground, and green areas. These findings shed light on the rapid urban growth and its detrimental impact on the forest cover in Owerri Metropolis, Imo State and recommends that it is crucial to develop and implement sustainable urban planning strategies while sensitizing the public on the implications of deforestation in order to mitigate the impact of urban growth on deforestation.