Assessment of riparian zone dynamics and its flood-related implications in Eleyele area of Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

This study aims at assessing how riparian zones have been altered through various land use activities and the implications of its capacity to mitigate flood. The study focused mainly on examining the land use/land cover changes within the riparian zone over a period of 20 years. The vulnerability of the riparian zone to flood were analyzed using remote sensing datasets. Flood vulnerability models were created based on the elevation and land cover type. A Euclidean distance (700 m) was created using the shuttle radar topographical mapping (SRTM) digital elevation model (DEM) of the lake and its riparian zone. The flood attenuation (150 m buffer) and riparian habitat (500 m) zones (areas) within the riparian zone of the lake were then created using the extracted lake boundary. Landsat 7 (for 1999) and 8 (for 2019) covering both zones were classified using the Maximum Likelihood Classification method. The results revealed that the built-up area increased from 2.04 to 4.54 km² between 1999 and 2019 while water body, grassland, and forest decreased from 0.05 to 0.04 km², 0.37 to 0.12 km² and 1.84 to 1.82 km² over the period of the study. The results further show that about 18.9% of built-up areas were within the very high vulnerability zone of flood as of the year 2019. The results reveal that the riparian area cover is declining in the study area, despite its ecological services in reducing the effect of floods by slowing down runoff, trapping sediments and enhancing infiltration. The pattern of distribution of the land cover classes at different flood vulnerability levels within zones indicates that the more the alteration of both zones’ landscape, the more vulnerable they are to flood. The study concluded that there is a significant level of structural change of the riparian zone which increases its vulnerability level to flooding.

Background

Riparian zones are widely recognized as a bionomical transition zone of material and energy exchange between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (Tang et al. 2014). Riparian zones act as an important interface between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems (Naiman and Decamps 1997), and provide ecological corridors for the migration of wildlife (Hilty and Merenlender 2004; Rodriguez‐Iturbe et al. 2009). These zones also provide a range of ecosystem functions and services, e.g., bank stabilization and protection, water purification, reservoirs of biodiversity, wetland products, as well as recreation and tourism (Bennett and Simon 2004; Forman 1998; Ghermandi et al. 2009; Holman-Dodds et al. 2003; Hruby 2009; Johnston and Naiman 1990; Sweeney, 1992; Tabacchi et al. 2000; Thoms and Sheldon 2000). The boundaries of Riparian zones are often delineated by vegetation communities along stream banks (Naiman et al. 2010). The delineation and extent of riparian areas vary in part because of their underlying composite and dynamical qualities, but several buffer widths zones for delineating the extent of riparian areas for different purposes (such as water quality protection, stream stabilization, Riparian habitat, flood attenuation, and detrital input) have been suggested and have also received much attention from the scientific and regulatory community (Orewole et al. 2015), buffer width of 5–30 m, 10–20 m, 30–500 m+ , 20–150 m and 3–10 m for water quality protection, stream stabilization, Riparian habitat, flood attenuation, and detrital input respectively were recommended and widely used by scholars (Jontos 2004). Flood can be regarded as an overflow or inundation that comes from a river or other body of water and causes or threatens damage. It is a prominent and common natural disaster, irrespective of the state of human development and natural conditions (Agbola et al. 2012). Floods are beneficial to both the river and the riparian zone, but they can be very detrimental to human structures and activities. The frequency, length, and magnitude of floods help to determine both the physical and biological features of the riparian zone (Junk et al. 1989). According to Orewole et al. (2015) several studies have demonstrated that riparian habitats are very significant in water quality, flood and erosion control.

The impacts of floods have increased due to a number of factors which include rising sea level and increased developmental activity on the floodplains. In most cities (including Ibadan) of the world, the problems of floods are rapidly growing (Balogun and Okoduwa 2000). Riparian zones are assumed to mitigate/reduce the effect of floods as they slow water runoff, trap sediment, and enhance infiltration (Letsinger 2003). Despite these proven benefits, the loss and degradation of riparian areas continue, particularly because of urbanization (Burton and Samuelson 2008; Naiman et al. 2010; Poff et al. 2011). Riparian zones have been altered through various land uses. Poff et al. (1997) reported that the remotion of riparian vegetation, drainage of wetlands and exploitation of floodplains leads to larger magnitude floods that cause greater harm to property. Ibadan city, Nigeria has experienced series of flood incidents and has been officially recorded since 1951; the most recent occurred in 2011 and the flood events usually occur in August, a period between the first rainfall peak and the rainfall break. Increased deforestation of the wetlands and riparian forest areas was identified as a vital contributing factor to the incidence of flooding in Ibadan (Agbola et al. 2012). Recently, Eleyele lake has become a focus of human activities, such as urban expansion, agriculture, grazing, erosion, and point, and non-point source pollutions (Agbola et al. 2012; Tope-Ajayi et al. 2016). Man activities have led to the loss of about seventy–eighty percent of the natural riparian area of the lake (Tope-Ajayi et al. 2016). Hence, the need to assess the current status of the zone and its flood vulnerability level.

Methodology

The study was conducted within the riparian zone of Eleyelye Lake in the Ibadan metropolis (Urban Area), Oyo State, Nigeria (Fig. 1). The lake is situated on latitude 7° 25′ 27.85″ N and 3° 51′ 20.54″ E. The total area of the lake is approximately 14.4 km². The elevation of the lake ranges between 166 and 237 m. The lake is characterized by a tropical wet and dry climate, with a lengthy wet season and relatively constant temperatures throughout the course of the year.

Fig. 1

Location of the study area

The use of Shuttle Radar Topographical Mapping (SRTM) digital elevation model (DEM) data to delineate catchment or stream layers or boundaries was adopted following Orewole et al. (2015). The SRTM data was imported into ArcGIS 10.1 software. The SRTM data was used as input data (Table 1) to create layers such as flow direction, flow accumulation, stream, stream segments, slope grid, catchment grid delineation, catchment polygon, and drainage line and adjoint catchment. These layers were then overlaid on a Google Earth Image in order to identify Eleyele Lake. The lake boundary was then extracted.

Table 1 Information about the dataset

Furthermore, 150 m and 500 m buffer were created (using the lake boundary as input data) in order to define the flood attenuation (FA) and the riparian habitat (RH) boundaries (layers) respectively. FA is the riparian buffer zone that promotes floodplain storage due to backwater effects; they intercept overland flow and increase travel time, resulting in reduced flood peaks, while RH represents the extent of a riparian zone (Jontos 2004) (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2

Description of flood attenuation and riparian habitat zones

The satellite imagery (Landsat 7 and 8) covering the study area were subjected to pre-processing operations which include; geometrical rectification and image registration, radiometric and atmospheric correction. Optimum Index Factor (OIF) was used to select the optimum combination of three bands out of all possible 3-band combinations in the satellite image using ILWIS. Band 742 (of Landsat 7) and Band 432 (of Landsat 8) combination were finally selected (based on the result of the OIF) and then stacked, subset and processed into colour composites. The RH and FA layers were extracted from the two colour composites using ArcGIS 10.1 and supervised classification were then carried out on the extracted layers using the Maximum Likelihood Classifier of Erdas 2014 in order to produce land Cover maps for both RH and FA zones. Four (4) land cover classes were defined (Table 2). The training set was collected using existing maps, higher resolution spectral images (Google Earth) and Visual interpretation as a guide. Validation was also performed for the classified images using the Validation set (which was obtained from Fieldwork, existing maps, high-resolution spectral images and Visual interpretation of the same image). Land cover changes were examined on the produced land cover maps for RH and FA zones over a period of 20 years (1999 and 2019). Elevation models (Elevation and Slope) of both zones were also generated using ArcGIS 10.1 in order to provide a representative sample of the complex and diverse landforms found in both areas.

Table 2 Land cover classification scheme and their general description

S/N classes description

• 1. Waterbody rivers, reservoirs fishery and lakes.

• 2. Build-up industrial and commercial, residential, transportation.

• 3. Grassland high-, mid- and low-cover grassland.

• 4. Forest arboreal forest, sparse woodland, and shrub woodland.

The flood vulnerability models were created based on the elevation and land cover type using ArcGIS 10.1. The vulnerability models were categorized into low, moderate, high and very high level. Each of the vulnerability factor (the elevation and land cover type) were normalized from 1 (low) to 4 (very high) and summed to produce an overall vulnerability score (1–4) following Copeland et al. (2010). A Euclidean distance (700 m) was created using the SRTM DEM of the lake and its riparian zone. The lake layer was then extracted from the Euclidean distance DEM. Land cover map (1999 and 2019) of the RH zone and the Euclidean distance DEM was reclassified (based on Jenks Natural Break Classification) into four (4) classes each. The vulnerability model (for 1999 and 2019) was then created with the reclassified layers using the raster calculator tool. The percentage of land cover classes at different flood vulnerability levels within RH and FA zone were then identified using the Zonal Histogram tool. The number of buildings that are susceptible at different vulnerable levels within both zones was also identified through an overlay analysis following Orewole et al. (2015) with building shapefile of Eleyele and the vulnerability levels as input data.

Result and discussion

The changes within the RH and FA zones of the study area were presented in Figs. 3, 4 and 5. A supervised (full Gaussian) maximum likelihood classification was implemented for the images and the final classification provided an overview of the major land cover classes/features of RH and FA zones for the years 1999 and 2019. The defined land cover classes (Water Bodies, Built-Up Area, Grassland and Forest) were identified. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the land cover maps (1999 and 2019) of RH and FA areas, while Fig. 5 illustrates the changes (in land area/size) within the areas between 1999 and 2019.

Fig. 3

Land cover map of the riparian habitat zone of Eleyele lake between 1999 (a) and 2019 (b)

Fig. 4

Land cover map of the flood attenuation zone of Eleyele lake between 1999 (a) and 2019 (b)

Fig. 5

Land area/size changes within the riparian habitat zone (a) and flood attenuation zone (b) of Eleyele Lake

The forest land cover class of the RH zone had the highest percentage cover (62.62%) in the year 1999, followed by Built-Up Area class (26.38%) and Grassland class (10.24%), while Water body class had the least with 0.80% (Fig. 3a). In 2019, the Built-up area had the highest percentage cover (58.65%) followed by Forest class (38.78%), Grassland (1.92%), while the water body had the least with 0.70% (Fig. 3b). Also, the Forest land cover class of FA zone had the highest percentage cover (73.40%), followed by Grassland (14.74%), Built-up area (9.86%), while Water body class had the least with 2.01% (Fig. 4a). In 2019, the Forest land cover class had the highest percentage cover (72.47%), followed by Grassland (4.66%), Built-up area (21.41%), while Water body class had the least with 1.47% (Fig. 4b).

Furthermore, the water body, grassland and forest class of RH zone decreased from 0.06–0.05 km², 0.79–0.15 km² and 4.85–3 km² respectively, while the built-up area increased from 2.04–4.54 km² between 1999 and 2019 (Fig. 5a). Also within the FA zone, waterbody, grassland, and forest class also decreased from 0.05–0.04 km², 0.37–0.12 km² and 1.84–1. 82 Km², while the built-up area increased from 0.25 to 0.54 km² between 1999 and 2019 (Fig. 5b).

Topographic factors

The elevation and slope of the RH zone and FA zone were presented in Figs. 6 and 7. The minimum and maximum elevations of the RH zone are 166 m and 237 m above the mean sea level respectively (Fig. 6a), while the minimum and maximum elevations of the FA zone are 169 m and 237 m above the mean sea level respectively (Fig. 6b). The slope of the RH zone and FA zone ranges from 0 to 83 percent slope (Fig. 7a, b). Both zones have a steeper slope along the northwest, northeast, and southeast part, and a gentle slope along the southwest part.

Fig. 6

Digital elevation model of the riparian habitat zone (a) and flood attenuation zone (b)

Fig. 7

Slope map of the riparian habitat zone (a) and flood attenuation zone (b)

Flood vulnerability analysis

The vulnerability levels in the RH zone and FA zone to flood between 1999 and 2019 were presented in Figs. 8a, b, 9 and Tables 3, 4. The vulnerability of the zones to flood was categorized into low, moderate, high and very high based on Jenks Natural Breaks classification method.

Fig. 8

Flood vulnerability of Eleyele riparian zone 1999 (a) and 2019 (b)

Fig. 9

Number of buildings at different vulnerability levels

Table 3 Percentage of land cover classes at different flood vulnerability level in the riparian habitat (RH) zone

Table 4 Percentage of land cover classes at different flood vulnerability level in the flood attenuation (FA) zone

Table 3 above showed the percentage of each land cover class at different flood vulnerability levels in the RH zone between 1999 and 2019. The total percentage (100%) of water body class was within low vulnerability level in 1999, while 2%, 36%, and 62% were within moderate, high and very high vulnerability levels respectively in 2019. Also, 38.89% and 61.11% of built-up area class were within low and moderate vulnerability levels respectively in 1999, while 21.14%, 19.33%, 40.67%, and 18.86% were within low, moderate, high and very high vulnerability level respectively in 2019.

Furthermore, 35.12% and 64.88% of grassland class were within moderate and high vulnerability levels respectively in 1999, while 6.33% and 93.67% were within a high and very high vulnerability level respectively in 2019. Then 16.48%, 34.32% and 49.2% of the forest class were within moderate, high and very high vulnerability level respectively in 1999, while 0.69%, 6.02%, 21.45%, and 71.84% were within low, moderate, high and very high vulnerability level respectively in 2019.

Table 4 above showed the percentage of each land cover class at different flood vulnerability levels in the FA zone between 1999 and 2019. The total percentage (100%) of water body class was within low vulnerability level in 1999, while 18.92% and 81.08% were within high and very high vulnerability levels respectively in 2019. Also, the total percentage (100%) of built-up area class was within moderate vulnerability level respectively in 1999, while 1.65%, 27.22%, and 71.13% were within moderate, high and very high vulnerability levels respectively in 2019.

Furthermore, 2.78% and 97.22% of grassland class were within moderate and high vulnerability levels respectively in 1999, while the total percentage (100%) of the class was within a very high vulnerability level in 2019. In addition, 3.2% and 96.8% of the forest class were within high and very high vulnerability levels respectively in 1999, while 1.97%, 14.39%, and 83.64% were within moderate, high and very high vulnerability levels respectively in 2019.

Figure 9 above reveals the number of building at different vulnerability levels presently within RH and FA zones. A total number of 3114 and 502 buildings were identified within RH and FA zones respectively. At the RH zone, the High vulnerability level has the highest number of buildings (1120), followed by Low and Moderate vulnerability level (with 957 and 553 respectively), while the Very high vulnerability level has the least with 484 buildings. Furthermore, at the FA zone, the Very high vulnerability level has the highest number of buildings (332), followed by High and Moderate vulnerability levels (with 152 and 18 respectively), while the low vulnerability level has the least with zero (0) building.

Discussion

The results reported above show the past and current status of the RH zone and FA zone of Eleyele Lake and its flood-related implications over a period of 20 years. Such information is essential for effective and efficient planning, monitoring and management of riparian zones in order to mitigate flood occurrence and also reduce its effects. Four major land cover classes (Waterbody, Built-Up Area, Graceland, and Forest) were identified. Akingbogun et al. (2012) reported five land cover classes (water body, build-up area, farmland, vegetation and forest plantation) between 1972 and 2000. Tope-Ajayi et al. (2016) also reported four land cover classes (water body, build-up area, agro-forestry, and wetland forest) between 1984 and 2000.

The water body, Grassland and Forest classes of both zones decreased while the built-up area increased (Fig. 5a, b). This suggests that the structure of both zones have significantly changed over the past 20 years; while the structure of both zones (in 1999) showed signs of human-induced fragmentation, the structure was significantly more fragmented in 2019. This finding is in line with Oyinloye et al. (2004) and corroborates Tope-Ajayi et al. (2016). Also, the presence of a built-up class within both zones is contrary to the general belief that the riparian zone should be a zone free of human settlement. According to Apan et al. (2002), Riparian zones comprises of patches or corridors of unique vegetation types, wetlands, and other land uses such as agricultural crops and pasture.

Furthermore, the rate of decrease in both the grassland and forest is a major concern as this will definitely have an adverse impact on their capacity to perform their functions. According to Apan et al. (2002), undisturbed forests within riparian zones play a vital role in regulating the upstream–downstream movement of water, matter, and energy. Also, riparian vegetation (grassland and forest) has an important role in relation to channel stability, soil erosion, water quality, fish habitat and water quality (Gregory et al. 1991; Kuusemets and Mander 1999; Vought et al. 1995). High, relatively open forest canopies increase light intensity at water’s surface but dense, low, closed canopies reduce the light intensity at water’s surface (Savita et al. 2019). The level of shading offered to streams and lakes by riparian vegetation is a function of their structure and composition (Gregory et al. 1991). In addition, the rate of increase of built-up area within both zones is of great concern especially at the FA zone as this zone is meant to reduce flood peaks. According to Tope-Ajayi et al. (2016), the increase can be ascribed to the growing demand for land and the need for urban development.

The elevation of RA and FA zones ranges from 166 m to 237 m above the mean sea level (Fig. 6a, b). According to Copeland et al. (2010), wetlands and its riparian zone in lower elevation areas are likely to have higher vulnerability scores. Both zones also have a steeper slope along the northwest, northeast, and southeast part, and a gentle slope along the southwest part (Fig. 7a, b). According to Hawes and Smith (2005), the steeper the land within a riparian zone, the wider it needs to be to have time to slow the flow of water and absorb the pollutants and sediments within it. Broadmeadow and Nisbet (2004) reported that many researchers suggest that steep slopes serve little value as a riparian buffer. Lü et al. (2010) found that faster runoff is often produced by steeply sloped fields.

The pattern of distribution of the land covers classes at different flood vulnerability levels within both zones between 1999 and 2019 (Tables 3, 4) suggest that the more the alteration of both zones’ landscape, the more vulnerable they are to flood. This finding is in line with Copeland et al. (2010). The vulnerability level of the built-up area class within the flood attenuation zone (Table 4) is alarming. Ideally, the existence of such class within this zone is not an ideal situation, because its presence reduces the capacity of the zone to perform its functions effectively and efficiently. According to Pinay (1986), FA zone is an area of natural riparian woods, it is not a zone used for habitation or agriculture. In addition, Copeland et al. (2010) also reported residential development along or within a riparian zone is a man-made obstruction and a complex situation that can lead to flooding which requires urgent attention.

The identified number of buildings at different vulnerability levels within both zones (Fig. 9) indicates the buildings that are susceptible to flood incidence. The number of buildings at Very high and High vulnerability level within both zones corroborate the findings of Orewole et al. (2015) and also suggest the need for pre-disaster assessment within the study area. According to Olugunorisa (2009), infrastructure within disaster (such as flood, earthquake, and drought) prone areas requires urgent actions such as pre-disaster assessment. The pre-disaster assessment comprises planning, mitigation and preparedness phases (Olugunorisa 2009; Orewole et al. 2015).

Conclusion

This research focused on the assessment of riparian zone dynamics and its flood-related implications in the Eleyele area of Ibadan, Nigeria. The findings reveal the existence of land cover changes within RH and FA zones of the study area over a period of 20 years (1999 and 2019), in which the water body, grassland, and forest land cover class decreased while built-up area increased drastically. These changes are significantly human-induced. There is a significant level of structural change of the riparian zone which increases its vulnerability level to flooding.