Determining the response of vegetation to urbanization and urban expansion in Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto State,in Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the relationship between urban expansion and tree density in Sokoto metropolis from 1990 to 2022, using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and NDBI (Normalized Difference Built-up Index) differencing techniques. Results show continuous increase in urban vegetation as the city expanded. Over the 32-years, the net vegetation gain was 927.8ha while the urban built-up area expanded by 2918.1ha. Urbanization and urban expansion may have detrimental effects on urban vegetation but with controlled planning, it will have little or no negative impacts especially in the Sahelian area. Management and policy measures can thus be taken in cities to mitigate the negative effects of urbanization on urban vegetation. These findings are relevant to the planning and management of urban forests.