The Dynamics of Land use and Urban Sprawl in the Outskirts of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

The spread of the built-up region into suburban and rural areas is known as urban sprawl, and it has an impact on the local ecosystem and way of life. This study examined the dynamics of land use and urban sprawl in the outskirts of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The study covered six local government areas in Rivers State: Oyigbo, Eleme, Etche, Okirika, Emohua, and Ikwerre, which are located near Port Harcourt. This study used both primary and secondary data sources which was carried out over a period of time. The primary data sets were gathered using multispectral Landsat photography. The photos for 2000, 2010, and 2021 were taken at a resolution of 30 meters using Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 7 ETM+, and Landsat 8 OTI/LIRS, respectively. 400 questionnaires were administered to Residents. Urbanization reduced the natural environment in Eleme LGA by 41.13% between 2000 and 2021, Emohua by 9.91%, Etche by 7.75%, Ikwerre by 13.13%, Okirika by 21.07%, and Oyibo by 41.13%, according to studies. Urban sprawl is attributed to a number of issues, including lower property values, improved infrastructure, growing living standards, a lack of urban planning, and a lack of legislation governing urban development. It was recommended that social amenities be provided in rural areas, that laws be implemented to ensure vertical growth as opposed to just horizontal expansion, and that agriculture—the main source of income for people living in rural areas—be made more lucrative.