GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Landform Classification for Sustainable Land Use Planning in Makurdi, Gboko, and Katsina-Ala Areas of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Understanding landform distribution is essential for sustainable land-use planning and environmental management, particularly in regions with diverse terrain such as Benue State, Nigeria. Despite the importance of terrain information for agriculture, settlement development, and environmental conservation, quantitative landform classification in many parts of the state remains limited. This study aims to classify and analyse the major landforms of Makurdi, Gboko, and Katsina-Ala areas of Benue State and examine their implications for sustainable land-use planning. A GIS-based Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) approach was employed using secondary spatial datasets, including a 30 m Digital Elevation Model (DEM), satellite imagery, geological maps, soil data, and hydrographic information. Terrain parameters such as slope, elevation, curvature, drainage density, and land cover were derived and integrated through weighted overlay analysis in a GIS environment to produce a landform classification map. The analysis identified four dominant landform types: plains, hills, valleys, and plateaus. Plains constitute the most extensive landform, covering approximately 52% of the study area, mainly in Makurdi and parts of Gboko. Hills account for about 23%, plateaus approximately 10%, while valleys associated with the Benue River and its tributaries represent about 15% and exhibit high drainage density and susceptibility to seasonal flooding. The study highlights the need for land-use planning strategies that align with landform characteristics. Plains should be prioritized for agriculture, while hills and plateaus are more suitable for controlled development and conservation practices. Valley areas require careful management due to flood risks, including improved drainage planning and restrictions on settlement expansion in vulnerable zones.