Effect of expanding urban areas on surrounding hinterland (a case study of Amakohia, owerri, imo state, Nigeria) – 2023

Description

Effect of expanding urban areas on surrounding hinterland (a case study of Amakohia, owerri, imo state, Nigeria) -2023.

Abstract

Rapid increase in the urban population in Nigeria has given rise to an uncontrolled expansion of the majority of the urban centres. One of the major consequences of such uncontrolled urban expansion is unchecked conversion of valuable rural and agricultural land to urban uses. The encroachment of urban settlements into rural hinterlands reduces the capacity of the remaining rural land to sustain increased agricultural production called for by the increase in both urban and rural populations. The research explores the effects of the rapid expansion of Amakohia in Imo State, on the surrounding hinterlands which constitute its urban fringe. It recommends a number of regulatory measures for control of rural-urban land conversion at the urban fringe areas. It concludes by saying that the future growth of urban settlements depends on the nature of their fringe areas, adequate management strategies are crucial for such fringe areas.