Investigation of the Impacts of Forest Transformation in Omo Forest Reserve, Ogun State

The Omo Forest Reserve in Ogun State, Nigeria, is an ecologically significant area, home to diverse flora and fauna. However, anthropogenic activities have led to considerable changes in the forest ecosystem over the years. This study aimed to investigate the drivers and impacts of forest transformation in the Omo Forest Reserve between 2002 and 2022 using a combination of machine learning and geospatial analysis techniques. The Random Forest Classification algorithm from the Google Earth Engine was employed to analyze land use and land cover (LULC) changes, while QGIS 3.6 was used for further data processing and analysis. Results showed a concerning trend of deforestation in the forest reserve. Between 2002 and 2022, there was a 4 percent decrease in forest cover, accounting for 199 km2 of the total land cover, while cropland increased by 6 percent over a 166 km2 area. The majority of the land cover transition was from forest to cropland, with minimal changes in water bodies and a decrease in buildings. Agricultural expansion was identified as the primary driver of deforestation in the region. Moreover, the decline in forest cover and the expansion of cropland disrupted essential ecosystem services, such as water regulation, carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling. Wildlife populations were also adversely affected by the observed land cover changes, with the loss of forest cover and fragmentation of habitats threatening many animal species. Based on these findings, several policy recommendations for sustainable forest management practices in Omo Forest Reserve were proposed. Implementing these policy recommendations can contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of the Omo Forest Reserve, ensuring the long-term provision of vital ecosystem services and benefits for both human and wildlife populations.