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Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Urban Sprawl in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria (1986–2021): A GIS-Based Analysis

Author

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  • Angela Nkechinyere Ekere

    (Department of Geography, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan)

  • Dickson Dare Ajayi

    (Department of Geography, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan)

Abstract

The rapid, often unplanned expansion of a city into surrounding rural or undeveloped land remained a daunting challenge in developing countries like Nigeria. We examined urban sprawl in Enugu Metropolis, from 1986 to 2021, using multi-temporal Landsat imagery classified using maximum likelihood estimation. Resultant maps were overlaid with 19 locality boundaries to extract built-up area extents at five-year intervals. Sprawl was quantified using the Shannon Diversity Index, patch density, and land consumption rate. Built-up area expanded dramatically from 1,558.71 ha (4.21%) in 1986 to 23,118.52 ha (62.45%) in 2021, while forest cover declined from 29,876.58 ha (80.71%) to 3,331.73 ha (9.00%). Shannon Diversity Index values for 2021 ranged from 0.306 in New Haven (compact) to 1.096 in Akwuke (dispersed), against an upper bound of log(n) = 1.279. ANOVA confirmed significant spatial variation in sprawl patterns (F = 40.63, p

Suggested Citation

  • Angela Nkechinyere Ekere & Dickson Dare Ajayi, 2026. "Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Urban Sprawl in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria (1986–2021): A GIS-Based Analysis," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 10(6), pages 2956-2970, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:10:y:2026:i:6:p:2956-2970
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