SPATIO-TEMPORAL PATTERNS OF DESERTIFICATION IN KANO STATE VIA GIS AND REMOTE SENSING

Abstract

Soil degradation and desertification are pressing environmental challenges in semi-arid regions, where fragile ecosystems are highly vulnerable to human activities and climatic stress. Kano State, located in Nigeria’s semi-arid Sudan savanna, experiences intensive agricultural demands, high population pressure, and seasonal rainfall variability, which exacerbate soil nutrient depletion, erosion, and land degradation. Anthropogenic factors such as overgrazing, deforestation, and unsustainable farming practices accelerate desertification, reducing soil fertility and threatening ecosystem functionality. This study highlights the extent, causes, and implications of soil degradation and desertification in Kano State, emphasizing the need for integrated land management strategies. Employing geospatial analysis through GIS and remote sensing, the research provides insights into spatial patterns of land degradation, informing sustainable agricultural planning and environmental conservation in dry land regions.