URBAN SPRAWL ANALYSIS AND ITS IMPACT ON AGRICULTURAL LAND IN OYO TOWN, OYO STATE NIGERIA.
Abstract
Urban sprawl, characterized by the unplanned and uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural landscapes, has become a major concern for sustainable land management in Nigeria. This study examines the patterns and impacts of urban sprawl on agricultural land in Oyo Town, Oyo State. Using geospatial techniques, multi-temporal satellite imagery, and Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, the research identifies spatial growth trends between the selected time periods and quantifies the extent of agricultural land loss. The findings reveal that rapid population growth, increased demand for housing, and infrastructural development have significantly transformed productive farmlands into built-up areas. The study further highlights the dominance of radial and ribbon sprawl patterns in the town’s expansion, with notable leapfrog developments in fringe areas. This encroachment on agricultural land threatens food security, reduces green cover, and disrupts the ecological balance. The research underscores the need for effective urban planning policies, farmland protection strategies, and public awareness to ensure balanced development that safeguards both urban needs and agricultural sustainability in Oyo Town.
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