Assessment of The Effect of Urban Renewal on Vegetation in Kaduna North Local Government Area, Kaduna State

Abstract

The study assessed the effect of urban renewal on vegetation within Kaduna North. The study used Landsat imageries between the year 2016 and 2023. The characteristics of the Landsat images are; Landsat 7 (30m resolution), Landsat 7 ETM+ (30m resolution) and Landsat 8 Oli/TIRS (30m resolution). Landsat images of 2016 and 2023 was classified into two different categories/polygons viz: built-up and vegetation. The result revealed that the NDVI map (2016) lowest point to be 0.0528414 which according to the NDVI correspond to barren areas, sand and built-up. The highest point of the map revealed to be 0.34144. These represent the green-coloured areas on the map which according to NDVI such value of 0.2-0.3 represent shrubs, farmlands and grassland. Also, the 2023 NDVI map revealed the lowest point to be -0.177581 which according to the NDVI correspond to barren areas, sand and built-up. This indicate a clear distinction from figure 4.6 which the lowest value is -0.0528414. This indicates in increase in the built-up areas and decrease in vegetation within the study area. The highest point of the map revealed to be 0.432848. These represent the green-coloured areas on the map which according to NDVI such value of 0.2-0.3 represent shrubs, farmlands and grassland. Percentage change in area covered for vegetation in 2016 (10.23%) that is 7.18km2 compared to the area covered by vegetation in 2023 which is 4.36% that is 3.06km2. This implies that 4.12km2 representing 5.87% of the total land loss to built-up areas for the urban renewal projects in the study area while the extent of magnitude of land use land cover change in Kaduna North LGA revealed that farmlands and vegetation are both with negative values (Rate=-0.32km2 and -0.59km2) respectively to represent decrease in the total area covered. The study concludes that despites the loss in vegetation at the onset of the urban renewal, the NDVI map of 2023 of the study area revealed an increase in green areas (vegetation) within the study area. This is attributed to wide spread of horticulturist and consistent growth of plants along major roads such as Swimming pool road, Isa Kaita Road, Ali Akilu Road and Tafawa Balewa Way. The study recommends further spread of horticultures within the city to improve the urban beautification and in return increase the vegetation and modify the microclimate of the study area.