Utilization of Geospatial Technology in Enhancing Environmental Sustainability by Assessing Anthropological Effects on Erosion Development in Orumba North

This study investigates the assessment of soil erosion and human interactions on the landscape morphology in Orumba North LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria. Soil erosion, a significant global environmental problem, is exacerbated by both natural and anthropogenic factors. In Nigeria, particularly the southern states, gully erosion poses a severe threat to agricultural lands. This research aims to model the feedback mechanism between land use and soil erosion using geoinformation technology. The study utilised a mixed-method approach, integrating Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Science (GIS) with descriptive statistics. Landsat imagery from 1987, 2003, 2019 and 2024 was analysed using supervised classification to assess land use/land cover changes and erosion site development. The analysis reveals that human activities particularly intensive agriculture and sand excavation played a dominant role in the expansion and transformation of erosion sites in Orumba North LGA. From 1987 to 2003, substantial reclamation efforts led to the conversion of 7.32 sq. km of erosion sites to vegetation and 3.03 sq. km to farmlands, reflecting successful interventions. However, from 2003 to 2024, transitions were largely to farmlands, especially around the Nanka erosion site, indicating increased exploitation of erosion-prone areas and a decline in restoration activities. Minimal conversions to built-up areas and water bodies across all periods suggest limited urban and hydrological influence. These trends highlight the intensifying impact of land use pressures on erosion dynamics and the inconsistent effectiveness of reclamation efforts over time. The study highlights the ongoing challenge of gully erosion in the region and the influence of anthropogenic factors on its dynamics. The findings are significant for identifying areas susceptible to erosion and informing targeted mitigation strategies in Orumba North, Anambra State.