ISSN 2736-1586
African Journal of Geography and Regional Planning ISSN 3627-8945 Vol. 7 (1), pp. 001-009, January, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Evaluation of eco-environmental vulnerability in Efon-Alaye using remote sensing and GIS techniques
C. Enete Ifeanyi1*, E. N. Adoh2 and M. O. Alabi
1Department of Geography and Meteorology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
2Department of Geography and Meteorology, Enugu State University of Technology, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
3Department of Geography, Kogi State University, Anyangba, Kogi State, Nigeria.
Accepted 07 October, 2019
Abstract
This study evaluates the environmental vulnerability of Efon-Alaye located in Ekiti State, Nigeria, which is a typical mountainous region with steep slope and an upland ecosystem. An Integrated Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System approach was used to analyse the environmental vulnerability of the region. Satellite data of the study area for two periods 1986 and 2002 were used for the analysis. Spatial multi-criteria evaluation operation was used to generate the vulnerability map of the study area. Indicators used were land-use, vegetation map (NDVI) and slope map generated from digital elevation model. The vulnerability distribution was classified into five levels: potential, slight, moderate, high and extreme. The results show that the environmental vulnerability in the study is at potential level and the driving force of this change is attributed mainly to the cultural activities of the inhabitants of the study area. The result of this study has also shown that using Integrating remote sensing, geographical information system and spatial multi-criteria evaluation model to evaluate environmental vulnerability in mountainous regions will assist decision makers in environmental management.
Key words: Environmental vulnerability, spatial multi-criteria evaluation model, GIS, remote sensing, vegetation, land-use.