The Effect of Land Use and Land Cover Change on Ecosystem Service Values of Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove Using Geospatial Approach

This master's dissertation examines the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and land cover change and associated changes in ecosystem service values in the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwestern Nigeria. Using Landsat satellite imagery for 1984, 1991, 2002, 2014 and 2022, the study applies geospatial analysis, change detection and ecosystem service valuation to assess environmental transformation within the study area. The findings demonstrate substantial changes in forest, farmland, built-up, bare soil and open space, and water-cover classes, accompanied by a significant decline in estimated ecosystem service values. The study discusses the implications of these changes for ecological integrity, sustainable land management, forest restoration and community-based conservation of the sacred grove.