Assessing the Extent of Land Degradation Resulting from Deforestation Activities in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

This study assessed the extent of land degradation resulting from deforestation activities in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, between 2005 and 2025. The study adopted a spatial assessment approach using multi-temporal Landsat satellite imagery obtained from the United States Geological Survey EarthExplorer. Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus imagery was used for 2005 and 2015, while Landsat 9 Operational Land Imager/Thermal Infrared Sensor imagery was used for 2025. The satellite images were processed and corrected before classification and analysis in Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS). Five land use and land cover classes were identified: forest land, vegetation, built-up areas, bare surfaces and water bodies. The extent of land degradation was assessed by calculating the area and percentage of each land-cover class and comparing the changes recorded across the three periods. The results revealed a continuous decline in forest and vegetation cover during the study period. Forest land decreased from 102,133.68 hectares (35.98%) in 2005 to 93,101.97 hectares (32.80%) in 2025, representing a loss of 9,031.71 hectares. Similarly, vegetation cover declined from 149,478.47 hectares (52.66%) to 134,191.17 hectares (47.28%), representing a loss of 15,287.30 hectares. In contrast, built-up areas increased from 22,494.91 hectares (7.92%) to 45,112.65 hectares (15.89%), while bare surfaces increased from 4,340.07 hectares (1.53%) to 6,160.55 hectares (2.17%). Water bodies recorded a slight decrease of 119.22 hectares. These findings indicate progressive changes in the natural landscape and increasing pressure on forest and vegetation resources in the study area. The study concludes that deforestation and associated land-use changes have contributed to land degradation in Boki Local Government Area, with implications for soil protection, biodiversity, water resources and the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. The study recommends strengthening forest protection and enforcement, promoting agroforestry and forest restoration, improving land-use planning, encouraging community participation and providing sustainable livelihood alternatives. It also recommends regular monitoring of land cover changes using satellite imagery and Geographic Information Systems to support effective forest conservation and sustainable land management in the area.