TEMPORAL CHANGES IN LAND USE AND LAND COVER IN SOUTHEASTERN BENUE STATE: EFFECTS ON SETTLEMENT PATTERNS

Abstract

The interplay between human activities and the environment is prominently reflected in land use and land cover (LULC) patterns. Land use denotes the ways in which humans exploit the natural environment for agriculture, settlements, industry, and recreation, while land cover represents the observable physical and biological characteristics of the landscape, including vegetation, water bodies, bare soil, and built structures. Understanding the dynamics of LULC is crucial, as these changes directly influence ecosystem services, biodiversity, and sustainable settlement development. This study examines the temporal and spatial patterns of LULC changes in Southeastern Benue State, Nigeria, from 1991 to 2024, with a particular focus on their implications for settlement development. Using historical datasets, satellite imagery, and GIS-based analysis, the study identifies the major drivers of land transformation, including population growth, urbanisation, agricultural expansion, and socio-economic development. Findings reveal a marked increase in built-up areas at the expense of agricultural and forested lands, reflecting the region’s rapid settlement growth. These transformations have significant implications for environmental sustainability, land management, and planning strategies in the state. The study highlights the need for integrated policies that balance human settlement needs with the conservation of natural resources and ecosystem integrity.