IMPACT OF POPULATION GROWTH ON AGRICULTURAL LAND USE IN DERIVED SAVANNA OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Increase in human population has accentuated pressure on land uses. Specifically, agricultural intensification and infrastructural development have influenced major changes in land use over many decades now. This study assessed the impact of population growth on agricultural land use in a typical derived Savanna of southern Nigeria. The study specifically assessed the negative impact of population growth on agricultural land use and determined the availability of farm lands in the study area. A systematic sampling technique was adopted. The study selected four hundred (400) respondents as the sample size with an additional 5% to accommodate non-response and non-return of questionnaires. Thus, 420 questionnaires were administered while 409 were returned. Out of this, fully completed 400 copies were selected for the analysis. GIS was applied in the analysis of Land use change between 1998 and 2018 for three epochs, 1998, 2008, 2018 from available data in the Ministry of Lands. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result of the study indicated that agricultural land use decreased from 1998 to 2008 and 2018 in the order 66%<58.5%<47% respectively. While built up areas increase positively in the order 34%>42.5%>53%. This was due to excess demand for agricultural land as indicated by 77.75% response and demand for agricultural products (23.74% response). Hence, population influences land use and availability for agricultural production in the study area. The study recommended implementing a community development scheme and providing family planning facilities in Abuochiche, along with guidance on population control.