TEMPORAL LANDUSE CHANGE ALONG TWO ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF YAKOWA AND YAR’ADUA WAYS, KADUNA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study uses remote sensing and GIS to compare land use changes along Patrick Yakowa Way and Umaru Musa Yar'adua Way, Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria, using Landsat imagery from 2005, 2015 and 2025. The research focuses on understanding how urban expansion impacts these areas, with results showing significant growth of built-up land and a decline in vegetation and water bodies. Specifically, Patrick Yakowa Way experienced a surge in built-up areas from 21.93% in 2005 to 50.88% in 2025, indicating an annual growth rate of 0.485km2 over the twenty years from 2005 to 2025, while Umaru Musa Yar’adua Way saw an increase from 10.98% to 28.76% during the same period showing an annual growth rate of 0.340km2 over the twenty years from 2005 to 2025. Conversely, vegetation cover decreased at an annual rate of -0.394km2 on Patrick Yakowa Way (61.65% to 38.14%), and Umaru Musa Yar’adua Way also reduced at an annual rate of -0.340km² (64.00% to 49.38%). Similarly, water bodies diminished in both areas. This study compares growth patterns along the two road corridors, investigates the causes of urban expansion, and assesses current planning strategies. The comparative analysis provides valuable insights for urban planning, sustainable growth, and resource allocation in Kaduna, emphasizing the necessity of integrated urban development to minimize negative impacts on natural resources and promote sustainable urbanization.