Analyzing the Impact of Delta State Capital Territory Development on Land Use Change in Local Communities Using Remote Sensing, GIS, and Qualitative Survey

This paper demonstrates the spatial and temporal dimensions of land use change in Delta State Capital Territory and derives the policy implications and lessons for the planning and implementation of sustainable urbanization. It is based on the study which combined remote sensing, geographic information system and qualitative field survey. Satellite data generated by Landsat 5(TM), Landsat 7 (ETM+) and Sentinel 2B (MSI) for the years 1990, 2011 and 2020 were used. This was also analyzed using Erdas and ArcGIS 10.6.1 software. Results from this Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis were triangulated with data from key informant interviews and focus group discussion. The study hypothesis was tested by applying student t-test on data sets derived from the GIS analysis. Findings of the research include reduction of undeveloped land areas from 16% in 1990 to 0.09% in 2020 and increase in built –up land areas from 7% in 1990 to 29% in 2020. The observed unorganized spread of urbanization in the capital territory is linked to the absence of Master Plan and the fact that the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency was established 24 years after the territory was designated. The paper concludes that the Delta State Capital Territory development process does not fully conform to the growth center theory of urbanization. It is imperative for urban planners and policymakers to formulate and implement Master Plans upfront for proper land zoning and sustainable land use. In addition, the growth center theory should be applied contextually for sustainable urban development.