The Environmental Studies Journal (TESJ) Vol 3, Issue No.2,
pp 1 – 21; September, 2020
Analysis of Land Use/Land Cover Changes and Armed Banditry Occurrence in Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria
Yamma B. S., Ogah T.A, Magaji J.I. & Abugu, N. A
Geography Department Nasarawa State University Keffi
Corresponding Author: Abugu, N. A;
E-mail: researcherscreed@gmail.com,
Mobile +2348187930402
Abstract
There are speculations that land cover changes triggers banditry in Northern Nigeria. This empirical study analysed land cover change and armed banditry in Gusau Zamfara State, Nigeria. The objectives were to assess the temporal changes in land cover, pattern of banditry in Gusau, and to compare the trend in land cover change and occurrence of armed banditry in Gusau from 2013-2019.Data on land cover were collected using GIS technique while data on occurrence of armed conflicts were collected through stakeholders’ consultation. Data collected were analysed using percentage increase/decrease and correlation. Results showed that built-up and Agricultural land had 59.31 and 21.70 percentage increases respectively. Forest land, water bodies and barren land had 101.12, 6.62 and 49.20 percentage decreases respectively. The year 2016 recorded the highest no of armed bandit occurrence followed by 2017. There is no significant relationship between changes in land cover classes and occurrence of armed banditry at 95% confidence level. In conclusion, there is growing armed banditry in the area that cannot be explained by changes in land cover alone. Research on other possible causes of banditry was recommended.
Keywords: Land cover, Land use, Armed banditry, Urbanization, Resources conflict, Gusau