SPATIO-TEMPORAL EFFECTS OF LAND USE AND LAND COVER (LULC) CHANGES AND DYNAMICS OF NORMALIZED VEGETATION INDEX IN EBOH FOREST (40YEARS) AT EPOCHS OF 20 YEARS INTERVAL USING GEOSPATIAL TECHNIQUE

This study assessed the extent and dynamics of forest degradation in Eboh Forest located in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State, over a forty-year period (1984-2024). The study integrated geospatial techniques with field-based ecological assessments to evaluate land use and land cover (LULU) changes. Landsat satellite images for 1984, 2004, and 2024 were processes and analyzed using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, while the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was employed to access vegetation greenness and productivity. Results revealed substantial changes in LULU patterns in Eboh forest, characterized by a decline in dense vegetation and a corresponding expansion of farmland, built-up areas, and road infrastructure. Although Forest experienced higher rates of early vegetation loss, it showed signs of partial recovery in later year, as reflected by increasing NDVI values. Eboh Forest exhibited persistent anthropogenic pressure with slower vegetation recovery. The study concluded that Eboh the forest retain some ecological functionality, continued human pressure threatens their long-term sustainability. Integrated conservation strategies, continuous geospatial monitoring, and community-based management are recommended to ensure effective forest restoration and sustainable use