Evaluation of the socio-economic impact of landcover / landuse changes in Owerri Municipal, Imo State, Nigeria using remote sensing and geographic information systems

The study aimed at evaluating the socio-economic impact of landcover / landuse changes in Owerri Municipal, Imo State, Nigeria using remote sensing and GIS with a view to improving quality life social development through its objectives; identify pattern area for period 30 years i.e. 1987 2002 2017, evaluate environmental these predict future area. methodology adopted this involved sourcing satellite data from United States Geological Survey (USGS) under study, survey Municipal Area monitoring. ArcGIS 10.5 QGIS 2.9 software were used processing, analysis presentation. observed significant increase built-up (34%) 2017 (65%), on contrary, there was noticeable decrease class bare land (26% 12%) vegetation. (37% 15%) followed by water body which kept fluctuating as result rainfall. Rapid population growth triggered rural urban migration coupled hasty main drivers changes. Results showed that approach are recommended further studies tools efficient landcover/landuse mapping.