Earth Science: Environmental Challenges and Solutions
Research Article Volume: 2 & Issue: 3
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Abstract
Forest degradation in Nigeria’s savannah ecosystems threatens biodiversity, carbon storage, and rural livelihoods. This study assessed forest degradation hotspots in the Southern Guinea Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Taraba State, Nigeria, over 37 years (1987–2024). Satellite-derived land use/land cover data were analysed and classified into five degradation categories: High Lost, Low Lost, Stable, Low Gain, and High Gain. Results showed that High Lost areas increased from 1,563.57 km² (6.22%) in 1987–2004 to 4,488.75 km² (17.87%) in 2004–2014, before declining to 2,254.35 km² (8.97%) in 2014–2024, representing a net increase of 690.78 km² (44.18%) over the study period. Low Lost areas rose from 3,919.31 km² (15.60%) to 4,933.01 km² (19.64%), a net gain of 1,013.70 km² (25.86%). Stable areas expanded from 6,858.26 km² (27.30%) to 7,658.75 km² (30.49%), a net increase of 800.49 km² (11.67%). Conversely, Low Gain areas declined from 8,800.38 km² (35.03%) to 7,028.93 km² (27.98%), a net loss of 1,771.45 km² (20.13%), while High Gain areas decreased from 3,978.15 km² (15.84%) to 3,244.63 km² (12.92%), a net loss of 733.52 km² (18.44%). The total study area remained constant at 25,119.67 km². The findings reveal a concerning shift from stable and gainful forest cover toward degraded states, with degradation peaking between 2004 and 2014. Hotspot analysis using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic identified significant clusters of biomass loss, while logistic regression and Random Forest modelling attributed degradation primarily to urbanization, road construction, population pressure, weak forest governance, logging, charcoal production, livestock grazing, poverty, and climate variability. The study recommends targeted reforestation, community-based forest management, and stricter enforcement of land-use regulations to curb degradation in Taraba State’s savannah ecosystem.
Keywords: forest degradation, hotspots, land use/land cover, Getis-Ord Gi, Southern Guinea Savannah
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