Spatial Analysis of Human Settlement Expansion Rate in Nigeria: A Case Study of Akure Per-Urban Locations

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study the rate of horizontal expansion of human settlement in Akure from 2007 to 2018 with focus on three peri-urban locations that has experienced massive growth in most recent times. Efforts were made to make predictions of possible expansion for the next 20 to 32 years in these areas. To achieve the objectives of this research Google earth images were obtained for all three selected locations for the years 2007 and 2018. For the three locations the same square area was maked out for analysis. The area covered by human settlement for the years 2007 and 2018 was obtained for all three locations using the polygon tool on Google earth. Futher mathematical calculations were done to help determine the rate of horivontal settlements between the two time periods. Calculations were also done to predict the rate of future expansion in all three locations. The results shows that built up area in the three selected locations is rapidly expanding, as a result large vegetation are lost. Predictions show that Akure is tending towards a fully developed conurbation. It concludes by affirming that there is a need to adopt the use of sustainable high-rise mixed-use buildings as a better approach to the current trend of human settlement in Nigeria based on low-rise structures and continuous deforestation to make rooms for new settlements.