Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Land Use and Land Cover Changes in the Peri-Urban Area of Tiko Municipality

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to analyze the temporal and spatial dynamics of land use and land cover change (LULCC) in the peri-urban area of Tiko Municipality, Cameroon, from 1994 to 2024, in order to understand the environmental and socio-economic implications of rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion. Methods: The study employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques using multi-temporal Landsat imagery for the years 1994, 2009, and 2024. Image processing involved the integration of ground control points and supervised classification to perform detailed land use and land cover change detection and spatial analysis. Results: The findings reveal substantial land use transitions over the study period, including a pronounced decline in dense forest cover and a significant expansion of cropland, which increased from 3.06% to 30.42%, as well as built-up areas, which expanded from 1.42% to 9.11%. These changes reflect the combined influence of rapid urban growth and agricultural intensification. The results further highlight the complex interplay of socio-economic drivers shaping peri-urban land transformation, with notable implications for ecological integrity and local community livelihoods. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that peri-urban land transformation in Tiko Municipality is occurring at a rapid pace, driven primarily by unplanned urbanization and expanding agricultural activities. These dynamics pose significant challenges to environmental sustainability and effective land governance, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive land use planning and management interventions. Recommendations: To address these challenges, the study recommends the implementation of integrated land use policies, including the enforcement of statutory zoning regulations, the designation of peri-urban conservation zones, and the adoption of incentive-based reforestation programs. These measures are essential to balance economic development with environmental conservation and to promote sustainable peri-urban development in Tiko Municipality and similar contexts.