Current Volume 8
Assessing Ecosystem Service Value Changes Due to Land Use Shifts in Kuje, Abuja: An SDG Indicator Approach
Abstract
Ecosystem services offer numerous benefits to humanity, such that, its continuous administration is pivotal for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study analyzes the historical transformation of land in Kuje Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria, over a 30-year period (1994–2024), with a focus on urban expansion, agricultural growth, environmental degradation, and ecosystem service value (ESV) dynamics. Using satellite imagery and geospatial analysis, findings reveal significant transformations in land use patterns. Cultivated land increased from 21.49% to 46.55%, and built-up areas rose from 0.08% to 2.18%, driven by rapid population growth and urbanization. Conversely, vegetation cover and forest areas sharply declined, falling from 65.99% to 34.41% and 4.75% to 0.04%, respectively highlighting widespread deforestation and ecological loss. The study further assessed changes using Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators 15.1.1, 15.1.2, and 15.1.4, indicating substantial degradation, minimal forest stability, and limited reforestation progress. Ecosystem Service Value analysis showed steep declines in the ESV of forests and vegetation, offset by gains in built-up and agricultural zones. Accuracy assessments showed moderate to substantial classification reliability, with kappa coefficients ranging from 0.55 to 0.67. A transition probability matrix and spatial analysis exposed extensive environmental degradation, especially in wards like Kwaku, Kabi, and Gwargwada. In response, the study proposes a phased, community-led reforestation program aligned with local vulnerability and land restoration capacity. Overall, the results emphasize the critical importance for renewable land management, environmental policy reform, and integrated development planning to restore ecological balance and ensure long-term resilience in Kuje Area Council.
Keywords
Land Use and Land Cover (LULC), Deforestation, Ecosystem Service Value (ESV), Environmental Degradation, Sustainable Development Goals (15.1.1, 15.1.2, 15.1.4)
Citations
IRE Journals:
Temitope Oyadokun , Onuigbo Ifeanyi Chukwudi , Azikiwe Peter Onwualu
"Assessing Ecosystem Service Value Changes Due to Land Use Shifts in Kuje, Abuja: An SDG Indicator Approach" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 10 2025 Page 1121-1136
IEEE:
Temitope Oyadokun , Onuigbo Ifeanyi Chukwudi , Azikiwe Peter Onwualu
"Assessing Ecosystem Service Value Changes Due to Land Use Shifts in Kuje, Abuja: An SDG Indicator Approach" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(10)
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