Monitoring Ecosystem Change and Its Impact on Livelihoods in Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State: An Integrated Approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47514/kjg.2026.08.01.030Abstract
Wamakko Local Government Area is one of the 23 Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, characterized by a fragile dryland ecosystem. However, the ecosystem in this area is under heavy threats caused by both natural and anthropogenic drivers, a situation that adversely undermines its ability to provide adequate and qualitative goods and services necessary for human survival, environmental protection, and sustainable development. This study assesses ecosystem change and its impacts on livelihoods in Wamakko LGA, Sokoto State, Nigeria. Using an integrated approach combining Remote Sensing, multitemporal Landsat images (2000- 2024), which were used to compute the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), GIS analysis, and field surveys (300 questionnaires, FGD, and KII). The study reveals a significant decline in ecosystem vigor (NDVI decreased from 0.59 to 0.42, ~30%). The degradation is driven by climate variability and population-induced land-use pressures. Livelihood impacts include reduced agricultural productivity, water scarcity, and declining income. The study recommends sustainable land management, ecosystem restoration, and improved environmental monitoring.
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