Temporal Trends in Vegetation Health across Ecological Zones of South-South Region of Nigeria (2000-2020)

This study analyzes temporal trends in vegetation health across South-South Nigeria’s ecological zones from 2000 to 2020, using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as a key metric. The research investigates changes in vegetation density and vigor within rainforest, derived savanna, freshwater swamp, mangrove, and Guinea savanna zones, linking observed patterns to climatic variability and human activities. NDVI data from MODIS satellites, alongside climate data on rainfall, temperature, and soil moisture, were processed using ArcGIS 10.5 to evaluate spatiotemporal vegetation dynamics. The results reveal a general decline in NDVI across all zones over the 20-year period, with marked reductions in vegetation health after 2012. The rainforest zone exhibited the highest initial NDVI values, reflecting dense vegetation, but experienced significant declines due to deforestation and land-use changes. The derived savanna and mangrove zones displayed the sharpest NDVI reductions, highlighting their heightened vulnerability to agricultural expansion, urbanization, and pollution. Conversely, the freshwater swamp and Guinea savanna zones showed fluctuating NDVI patterns, with temporary recoveries attributed to favorable climatic conditions or reduced land-use intensity. Climatic variability, particularly erratic rainfall and rising temperatures, emerged as significant drivers of vegetation stress, affecting growth cycles and ecosystem resilience. Human-induced pressures, including deforestation, oil exploration, agricultural intensification, and urban development, compounded vegetation loss, disrupting ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and biodiversity support. The study underscores the critical role of NDVI in monitoring vegetation health and guiding sustainable land-use practices. Recommendations include targeted conservation efforts for vulnerable zones, implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, and integration of NDVI monitoring into environmental policy frameworks. Community engagement and enforcement of land-use regulations are emphasized to balance development needs with ecological preservation.By providing a comprehensive assessment of vegetation trends and their underlying drivers, this research contributes valuable insights for environmental management and land-use planning in the South-South region of Nigeria, addressing the dual challenges of climate change and anthropogenic pressures.