SAVANNA JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES

Savanna Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 1(2):188-194

Geographical Information System (GIS) Tools And Forest Resources Management In Northern Nigeria

Usman A. K., Abdullahi A. H. and Opara J. A.

ABSTRACT
This article focuses on the reliability of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) in the acquisition of basic data and methods that are used to monitor and manage vegetation resources. Landsat MSS satellite images, Landsat Operational land imager and field survey were the materials and methods used for the study. Results of the analysis revealed that woodland (6.5%) and crop/bare land (8.1%) experience a steady decreasing trend. The findings further showed that the annual rate of change for crop/bare land is alarming culminating to about plus 50% within the period of study while that of woodland and grassland has been minus 15.59% and 3.9% respectively. In view of the valuable status of vegetation cover in the provision of food, shelter, wildlife habitat, fuel, daily supplies and medicinal ingredients and paper, monitoring of vegetation cover and its growth is indispensable.