ASSESSMENT OF THE SPATIAL PATTERN OF VEGETATION COVER CHANGE IN WUKARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the spatial pattern of vegetation cover change in Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria, using multi-temporal Landsat imagery for 2004, 2014, and 2024. The research adopted a descriptive and analytical approach supported by Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System techniques to examine how vegetation cover has changed over time and space. Classified land use maps revealed that Wukari was largely vegetation-covered in 2004, with vegetation occupying 83.17 km² or 43.96% of the study area. By 2014, vegetation cover had declined to 67.93 km² or 35.91%, while urban area and farmland expanded considerably. In 2024, vegetation cover further reduced to 60.71 km² or 32.09%, with urban area and bare land dominating the landscape. Change analysis showed a consistent decline in vegetation cover between 2004 and 2024, with the greatest loss occurring between 2004 and 2014. The 2050 projection indicated that, if current trends continue, vegetation cover may decline further to 46.08 km² or 24.36%, while urban land continues to expand. The study concludes that urban growth and land conversion are the major drivers of vegetation loss in Wukari. These changes pose serious risks to biodiversity, ecological balance, and environmental sustainability. The study recommends effective land-use planning, vegetation conservation, and sustainable urban management to reduce further vegetation depletion in the area.