SPATIO-TEMPORAL ASESSMENT OF DEFORESTATION IN UMUAHIA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ABIA STATE, NIGERIA (2002-2022)

This study undertook a broad assessment of deforestation within the Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State from 2002 to 2022. The assessment employed a multifaceted approach, including GIS analysis, demographic evaluation, spatial evaluation, spatial analysis and community perceptions. Through the examination of socioeconomic characteristics, the demographic profile of respondent was established thus highlighting the diverse range of stakeholders involved in the issue of deforestation. The study showed that in 2002, Forest Area had the highest proportion of the total land accounting for 95.06 km2 representing (41%) of the total land. In 2022, the Forest Area reduced significantly accounting for 67.13km2 representing (29%) of the total land. The deforestation rate during this period stood at 1.47 %. The study also concluded that the factors leading to deforestation in the study area include fuel wood extraction, farming activities, over population and poverty. Others are bush burning, road construction, over grazing and lack of value for forest. It was also found out that the ecological effects of deforestation in the study area include increase in soil erosion, increase in wind erosion, air pollution, and reduction in biodiversity, loss of tree species, reduction in forest resources and depletion of soil fertility. However the study recommend consistent afforestation practices to mitigate adverse effect on the environment. Keywords: Biodiversity; Deforestation; GIS; NDVI; Spatio-Temporal