Impact of Peri-Urban Development on Land Surface Temperature in Parts of Sokoto Metropolis.

This study aimed to explore the impact of peri-urban development on Land Surface Temperature (LST) in some parts of Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria. Using multispectral Landsat images (7ETM, and 8OLI/TIRS) for 2001, 2011, and 2021, the research employed remote sensing technique to assess changes in Land Surface Temperature, examine the role of Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) dynamics, and analyze the relationship between peri-urban development and LST. The LULC analysis revealed a notable increase in built-up areas, from 9.16km² in 2001 to 21.42km² in 2021, accompanied by corresponding decline in vegetative cover from 14.07km² in 2001 to 1.79km² in 2021. Similarly, maximum LST value rose from 29.72ºC in 2001 to 31.51ºC in 2021. The results demonstrate a clear trend of increasing LST due to the expansion of built-up areas and decrease in vegetative cover, underscoring the significant impact of rapid peri-urban development on the local thermal environment and the intensification of the urban heat island (UHI) effect. To mitigate rising LST, the study recommends the use of reflective and heat-resistant materials in peri-urban developments, alongside the introduction of mandatory policies for green roofing and vertical gardens in new buildings. These findings highlight the need for sustainable urban planning techniques that incorporate green infrastructure and climate resilient urban designs to address the environmental challenges posed by peri-urban development in Sokoto metropolis.