Analyses of Spatio-Temporal Land use Conversion and implication in Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

Land use conversion is an emergent challenge to urban planners globally particularly in
developing countries such as Nigeria. Most land and residential buildings in Akure have
continually experiencing conversion from the initial purpose of acquisition to evolving usages. The study aimed at identifying the peculiar factors affecting land-use conversion and the strength of these factors in Akure core, in the past 37years (1984-2021). A total number of 123 pieces of the questionnaire were distributed for the study. The study investigated the pattern and factors of land use conversion. The pattern of land use conversion was analyzed using GIS while the factors of conversion were determined with the use the of Factor Analysis statistical technique. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents did not acquire their lands from the government, but from distressed owners who inherited the properties, hence converting their lands without adhering to the approval procedure for formal planning permission. It was also revealed that the city core has undergone a significant level of conversion from residential use to commercial. Land scarcity accounted for 15.8% of the total variance in conversion, leading to problems of traffic congestion amongst others. It is recommended that; regulatory authorities and planners utilize urban planning measures to ensure that lands are used for the allocated purposes and penalties are meted out on contraventions.