Asian Journal of Geographical Research

Nexus between Crop Diversification, Agricultural Development and Level of Urbanization in Bihar, India: A Regional Level Study

Khursheed Ahmad Khan — 2025-09-17

Background: Crop diversification has become an important factor in the agrarian economy for increasing agricultural growth, farmer income, and the utilization of natural resources. At both the district and regional levels, crop diversification has progressed unevenly and shown significant variations. Diversification of highly valuable crops is positively associated with the level of urbanization and the development of the economy and infrastructure. Crop diversification in Bihar varies significantly across the region due to distinct regional features. Policymakers must determine the nature and extent of crop diversification in Bihar at the regional level for making agriculture-related policies. Because of this, the main objective of this research is to examine the variations within regions in Bihar's agricultural development and crop diversification, as well as the extent to which urbanization affects crop diversification at the district and regional levels.

Methods: At the regional and district levels, an Agricultural Development Index and a Simpson Index of Diversification have been developed using secondary data obtained mainly from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Bihar. Cluster and regression method have been used for deep analysis.

Results: According to the findings of the study, there are significant variations both at the district and regional levels, making it impossible to draw a comprehensive generalization about the extent of crop diversification and agricultural development across the region of Bihar. A positive but weak relationship exists between crop diversification and agricultural development. Crop diversification is also positively influenced by urbanization.

Assessment of Groundwater Physico-Chemical Properties and Water Quality Zonation in Udalguri District of Assam: A Geospatial and WQI-based Approach

Kuldeep Bora — 2025-09-23

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the groundwater quality of Udalguri district, Assam, with the application of Water Quality Index (WQI) and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to determine its suitability for drinking purposes.

Study Design: A field-based water quality assessment was carried out using 38 spatially distributed samples selected through a GIS-based random approach, supported by secondary data collection from existing records and informal field interactions.

Place and Duration of Study: The investigation was conducted in Udalguri district, Assam, India. Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed, and informal interactions were conducted during the study period of 2023-2024.

Methodology: A total of 38 groundwater samples were collected from different sources across the district. Nine physico-chemical parameters like pH, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, iron, manganese, nitrate, chloride, and fluoride were analyzed following standard protocols. The WQI was computed using the weighted arithmetic index method. Spatial distribution of groundwater quality was mapped using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation in Geographic Information System (GIS), enabling visualization of contamination hotspots and variability across the district.

Results: The findings reveal that approximately 77% of the Udalguri district falls under poor to unsuitable water quality categories. The major factors responsible for deterioration are elevated levels of iron and manganese, surpassing the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) permissible limits. In contrast, other parameters such as pH, hardness, nitrate, chloride, and fluoride generally remained within acceptable limits. Spatial analysis showed significant variation in contamination intensity, with certain pockets exhibiting higher risks of groundwater pollution.

Conclusion: The study highlights critical groundwater quality issues in Udalguri district, emphasizing that the majority of the region’s population relies on water sources that are unsuitable for drinking without treatment. Urgent remedial measures, including water treatment initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and long-term monitoring strategies, are recommended to safeguard public health and ensure sustainable water management.

Modeling Urban Surface Runoff in Tropical Watersheds Using the SCS-CN Method on Google Earth Engine: Case of the Gourou Basin

KANGA Kouamé Elyass — 2025-09-25

The Gourou watershed, located in the metropolitan region of Abidjan, is highly vulnerable to flooding due to rapid urbanization and the increasing frequency of extreme rainfall events. To address the challenge of runoff estimation in this ungauged tropical urban basin, this study develops and applies an innovative, spatially explicit methodology that quantifies surface runoff through the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) method, integrating pedological characteristics (soil textures) and dynamic land use patterns.

Our approach leverages an automated processing chain implemented in Google Earth Engine, enabling high-resolution land use classification (overall accuracy: 99.58%; Kappa index: 0.97), spatial interpolation of soil data (based on 19 sampling points), computation of Curve Numbers (CN) through matrix cross-referencing of soil texture and land use classes, and refinement of CN values through slope adjustments to enhance hydrological accuracy. Hydrological modeling was performed using the SCS equation.

The analysis reveals alarming hydrological indicators: a significant reduction in effective infiltration, an average runoff rate of 42.6% (runoff coefficient = 0.42), a total runoff volume of 827,113 m³ from cumulative rainfall of 1,941,220 m³, and widespread imperviousness — 77.8% of the watershed consists of built-up areas or bare soils (CN > 78). These conditions drive rapid surface flow concentration, intensifying flood peaks and highlighting the critical need for spatially targeted mitigation strategies in data-scarce urban watersheds.

Spatial Analysis of Nutritional and Health Inequalities among Adolescents in Kumbakonam Taluk, Tamil Nadu, India

Vadivel S — 2025-09-25

Objective: The study aims to assess the nutritional and health status of adolescents aged 13 to 19 in Kumbakonam taluk. it focuses on understanding how wealth, calorie intake, calorie expenditure, and health outcomes vary across different regions, and to identify the socioeconomic and spatial factors behind these disparities.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2016–2017 with 2,790 adolescents (1,395 boys and 1,395 girls) from 93 panchayat villages, selected through stratified random sampling. data were collected using a structured questionnaire. daily gross calorie intake, calorie expenditure, and net calorie retention were calculated. wealth and health indices were developed based on income, education, occupation, body mass index (BMI), and calorie balance. spatial analysis and Z-score classification were used to map regional differences.

Findings: The study found clear regional and gender-based differences in nutrition and health. most adolescents were in the medium range for calorie intake and retention, but many—especially boys—had poor health. wealthier areas showed better health outcomes, while poorer regions had lower calorie intake and more health problems. spatial mapping revealed clusters of both undernutrition and overnutrition. There is a need for targeted, area-specific health and nutrition programs to address the diverse needs of adolescents and reduce inequalities in Kumbakonam taluk.

Land Use Transitions and Bamboo Based Livelihood Diversification in Karbi Anglong, Northeast India

Rebecca Kramsapi — 2025-09-26

Land use transitions in ecotonal regions of Northeast India illustrate the dynamic interaction between ecological resources, industrial demand, and livelihood change. This study examines three decades of land use and land cover (LULC) change in Karbi Anglong district, Assam, with a focus on bamboo-based systems. Multi-temporal satellite images (1993, 2014, and 2023/24) were classified using the Random Forest algorithm. The 2023/24 map, validated with 700 ground-truth samples, achieved 93.6% overall accuracy and a Kappa coefficient of 0.87. Results indicate three major phases: (i) 1993 – natural abundance, when bamboo was embedded in forest and shifting cultivation systems; (ii) 2014 – plantation expansion, driven by industrial demand and state subsidies, when bamboo became a dominant land cover (24.72%) at the expense of forests and jhum; and (iii) 2023/24 – post-mill diversification, characterized by stable bamboo cover (24.74%), expansion of rubber, tea, and arecanut, and growing built-up areas. These transitions highlight the role of industrial dependence in reshaping landscapes and livelihoods. The study underscores the need for integrated land use policies that balance forest conservation with livelihood diversification and sustain bamboo as both an ecological and cultural resource.

Condition of Housing Infrastructure and Its Impact on Sustainable Urban Development: Assessing Progress Toward SDG 11 in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria

Rufa’i ABUBAKAR — 2025-09-27

Sokoto Metropolis serves as the focal point of this study, and one of the oldest traditional cities in Nigeria being the seat of the caliphate established by Sheikh Usamnu Danfodiyo in 1804 (Reformer). This study examines basic housing infrastructure in Sokoto Metropolis, focusing on the condition of access roads, water supply, waste disposal, fire rescue services, drainage, and street lighting. These components are essential to urban sustainability, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which promotes inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. In rapidly urbanizing areas like Sokoto, infrastructure often lags behind urban growth, intensifying the challenges related to urban sustainability. To assess these issues, the study employed both primary and secondary data. Primary data was gathered through structured questionnaires administered to 382 heads of households using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size table, while secondary data was obtained from the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency as sampling frame. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and the use of the Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank infrastructure needs. The study found that the condition of infrastructure in Sokoto Metropolis is generally poor, with waste management emerging as the most urgent issue at mean value of 0.5094. This reflects broader infrastructure gaps likely caused by insufficient facilities, weak policy enforcement, and rapid urbanization. The study recommends that the Sokoto State Government align its housing infrastructure planning and budgeting with the UN 2030 Development Agenda to address these challenges effectively.

A Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Disasters in the North-Himalayan Region, India

Sneh Gangwar — 2025-10-06

The North-Himalayan region, which includes such states as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and some parts of the northeastern states, is vulnerable to numerous natural disasters because of the geological and climatic conditions. This is landslides, flash-flooding, earthquakes, avalanches, forest fires, which are usually worsened by climate change, growing urbanization, and unsustainable land-use. The tectonic movements of the area make the area prone to seismic hazards and the monsoon rains cause various other disasters such as landslides and floods. Examples of the challenges that have reoccurred include historical events like landslides in 1991 in Joshimath, flash floods in 1999 and the 2013 Uttarakhand floods. This paper discusses the susceptibility of such towns as Joshimath and Bhatwari with a focus on issues of slope instability and climate change in terms of their infrastructure impact. Field observations, remote sensing data, and GIS mapping were combined in order to estimate the risks of disasters and formulate superior disaster management plans including sustainable urbanization and resilience construction in the area.

Mapping and Analysis of Hydro-Morphometric Parameters of Otammiri River Basin in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria Using Geospatial Technique

Ahuchaogu, U.E — 2025-10-08

Notwithstanding that Otammiri river basin is one of the most important watersheds in Imo State, its hydrology is not well known. Good understanding of a basin drainage system and morphometry is fundamental for watershed management. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the morpho-hydrological attributes of Otammiri watershed using geospatial technique. Landform, sub-catchment, drainage mapping, linear and areal morphometry analysis of the basin has been carried out by analyzing SRTM DEM-30 data using ArcGIS10.5 and supher11. Strahler (1964) stream order method was used for stream ordering. This study revealed that the basin is divided into 3 wings as a result of the confluence of Otammiri and Nworie river. The study area is rough and situated in surface of elevation range of 10m to 140m above mean sea level with total number of 82 streams of total length, 105 kilometers draining a landed area of approximately 113 square kilometers. The elevation of the basin decreases from north eastern part to the southern part with a large portion of the surface situated in a terrain of slope between 1 degree and 90 degrees. Results revealed that there are one (1) fourth order streams, three (3) third order streams, nineteen (19) second order streams and fifty-nine (59) first order streams. The river network revealed a dendritic pattern and a stream frequency of 0.7257, drainage density 0.9292 km^-1, circulatory ratio of 0.320 and elongation ratio of 0.770. These digital derivatives attest that geospatial technique is effective in characterization of hydro-morphometric attribute of a river basin.

Impact of Urban Expansion on Agricultural Land in the Niamey IV Municipal District, Niger

Hadiara YAYE SAIDOU — 2025-10-10

Like many major cities in Sub-Saharan Africa, Niamey, the capital of Niger, continues to grow at a sustained pace, pushing the city’s boundaries as far as possible. This growth is accompanied by the consumption of space, leading to significant land transformation. The consequences of this land transformation are characterized by a decrease or even the disappearance of agricultural spaces. The aim of this article is to analyze the factors of urban pressure on agricultural spaces in the Niamey 4 municipal district. To achieve this, a mixed data collection approach is adopted to gather both qualitative and quantitative information. Data were collected through field visits, interviews with municipal officials, and a survey of 39 heads of household in Kongou Zarmagandey. The results showed that more than half of the households lost a significant part of their agricultural land due to declining yields, family and social issues, and manipulations by private entities. The investigation also reveals that the dynamics of urbanization of agricultural land in ACN4 are characterized by residential pressure on agricultural land.

Impact of Sand-bar Movements on Livelihood and Income in River Aie in Assam, India

Aditi Ramchiary — 2025-10-16

Showcasing the complexity of understanding interdisciplinarity the study dwells into the learnings from spatial science and from the agrarian change and rural development domain which suggests that in rural economies people are dependent on various livelihood strategies and there is a tendency of formation of class differentiation which include the rich, middle and poor peasants but the assumption was that with the start of capitalism these middle peasants would disappear, which didn’t take place. The hypothesis of the present work is to see whether the land under sandbar is dynamic and to understand whether socio-economy in sandbar is affected by this dynamicity of land, and to document practices which are particularly suitable for sandbars in the region. The study is based on GIS in order to track and map the morphological dynamics of the river and understand the livelihood practices that are present in and around these lands in the rural sandbars. These middle peasants also fall under the category of the poor often. These rural poor continued to be landowners of small landholdings. Based on these classifications these group falls under both wage laborers as well as petty commodity producers who has some amount of land but use family labor thus, meaning the livelihoods are actually a complex combination of both the wage labors and the self-employment.

Health Risk Evaluation of Heavy Metals via Dermal Contact (Swimming) in Qua Iboe River, Nigeria

Nsima Amos Akpan — 2025-10-18

This research was carried out to assess human health risk through dermal exposures to heavy metals (Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Nickel, Vanadium, Lead and Zinc) in Qua Iboe River, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from five sampling stations in wet and dry seasons for the analysis of physicochemical parameters and heavy metals. Physicochemical parameters were determined using standard methods. Heavy metals were determined using atomic absorption spectrometer. Levels of the physicochemical parameters in the water samples in both seasons were: temperature ranged from 27.0 – 29.0 ^oC; pH 6.5 - 7.2; electrical conductivity, 119.13 – 133.33 µS/cm. dissolved oxygen 5.53 – 6.13 mg/L; biochemical oxygen demand, 2.04 – 2.05 mgL. Hazard quotients for the heavy metals analysed were as shown, Cadmium 3.31E-4; Chromium, 4.65E-5; Nickel, 1.98E-6; Copper, 6.35E-6; Vanadium, 1.99E-6; Lead, 9.52E-5 and Tin, 1.35E-4. Generally, the measured values of both physicochemical parameters and heavy metals in study area were all within permissible limits set by World Health Organisation although some levels were close to maximum permissible limits in some locations. Hazard quotients (HQs) of the heavy metals exposure through dermal contact were all less than unity (HQs < 1), which implies that there is no significant human health risk of heavy metals through dermal contact. Elevated levels of some heavy metals at some locations, implies a likelihood of occurrence of actual risk in the future if the trend is not curbed. As a precautionary measure, monitoring of these these metals in the river is strongly advocated for sustainability of the river water for use by the present generation without compromising its use for future generations.

GIS-Based Assessment of Groundwater Vulnerability in Bapatla District, Andhra Pradesh, India Using the SINTACS Model

Sreerama Naik S R — 2025-10-24

The necessity of groundwater in semi-arid regions like Bapatla District, Andhra Pradesh emerges from its role in supporting agricultural activities, together with industrial operations and household needs. The continuing viability of the ecosystem faces serious threats from increasing pollution linked to human activities. The evaluation of groundwater vulnerability plays a critical role in managing resources effectively while preventing pollution. This research employs the SINTACS model, which functions as a GIS overlay and index method to evaluate inherent groundwater vulnerability by analysing seven hydrogeological factors: Slope (S) Infiltration (I) Net recharge (N) Soil media (T), Aquifer media (A) Hydraulic conductivity (C) and Saturation zone depth (S).

Bapatla District's intricate hydrogeological features, comprising coastal aquifers alongside deltaic plains and hard rock formations, render it susceptible to contamination from agricultural, industrial, and urban sources. The SINTACS model adjusted for specific local conditions integrates spatial data obtained from multiple sources, including the Geological Survey of India (GSI) Water Resources Information System (WRIS) and remote sensing (DEM). The evaluation assigns scores and weights to each parameter based on its influence on contaminant transport, which results in a composite vulnerability index. The groundwater vulnerability map produced for the district designates areas into low moderate, high and very high vulnerability zones, which enables specific conservation actions.

This study pinpoints zones requiring immediate surveillance and protective measures to support sustainable land-use planning, together with groundwater management. Policymakers in Bapatla District can secure long-term water resources through the GIS-based SINTACS method, which provides an economically viable and scalable solution.

Hydro-Climatic Variability and Its Implications on Soil and Water Security in Kenya’s Tana Delta

Said Abdulahi Omar — 2025-10-27

Climate change has intensified hydro-climatic variability worldwide, altering rainfall patterns, soil moisture dynamics, and freshwater availability. Across Africa, these changes undermine ecosystem resilience and threaten livelihoods dependent on rain-fed agriculture and wetlands. Within this broader frame, the Tana Delta in coastal Kenya is increasingly vulnerable to climate-driven stresses. This study examined rainfall and temperature trends, their influence on soil–water systems, and implications for community resilience. A mixed-methods design combined household surveys (n=382), focus group discussions, key informant interviews, meteorological records (1990–2020), and remote sensing techniques, including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, the Normalized Difference Water Index, and Geographic Information Systems were used for this study. Results show a statistically significant decline in rainfall (p < 0.05) and average warming of +1.2 °C. Wetland extent declined by 21% between 2017 and 2023, with more severe losses and salinity intrusion in lower-delta zones. Communities reported increased reliance on boreholes. Communities reported increased reliance on boreholes, rivers and canals, though many water sources are increasingly saline. Soil degradation and reduced moisture retention have intensified water scarcity, thus undermining agriculture, pastoralism, and fishing. Household surveys confirmed that 76% of respondents experienced declining crop yields, with about 64% reporting livestock losses and 58% noted the reduction of fish catches. These findings demonstrate that hydro-climatic variability has significantly undermined soil and water security in the Tana Delta. Effective adaptation strategies such as wetland restoration, salinity management and climate-smart agriculture are urgently needed to sustain livelihoods and ecosystem services. Strengthening community-based water governance will also be critical in enhancing resilience to future climate stresses.

Assessment of the Benefits of Geographic Information System in Commercial Property Development in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

MAPADERUN, Abiola Aminat — 2025-10-27

This study assesses the benefits of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in commercial property development in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, focusing on its impact on decision-making, efficiency, and sustainability. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and field observations, with spatial data obtained from high-resolution satellite imagery and processed using GIS software. The findings show strong agreement (84.2% to 93.6%) on GIS's role in improving decision-making, cost reduction, and risk management. However, challenges in integrating GIS with regulatory frameworks and other external factors, such as market conditions, were noted. Spatial analysis of three case studies (Creek Road Market, New Mile 1 Market, and RivTaf Shopping Center) revealed varying compliance with planning standards, with RivTaf demonstrating the highest compliance. The study recommends institutionalizing GIS in development control, enhancing training, updating planning policies, improving infrastructure, and expanding GIS use for post-development monitoring to promote sustainable property development in Port Harcourt.

Prioritization of Sub-watersheds for Erosion-prone Identification: A Study of Kiile Watershed, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Ligang Aniya — 2025-11-01

Watershed prioritization is a strategic procedure used to delineate the most erosion-prone sub-watersheds. Identifying these critical areas is paramount for the effective allocation of resources and the successful implementation of soil and water conservation measures at the watershed level. However, studies concerning the mountainous watershed of Kiile are limited. In this study, the prioritization of 10 sub-watersheds of the Kiile River was done to identify erosion-prone areas using quantitative morphometric analysis. The watershed and its drainage networks were delineated using ALOS PALSAR 12.5 m resolution DEM in ArcGIS 10.4. For prioritisation, morphometric parameters such as linear, areal, and relief aspects were considered and calculated using standard formulae provided by various hydrologists and geomorphologists. Each morphometric parameter was preliminarily ranked based on its relation with soil erodibility. The final prioritization was done based on the compound value (Cp). The analysis result revealed that SW-8 and SW-5 are the most erosion-prone sub-watersheds with the lowest compound value, indicating greater susceptibility to erosion. Based on the results, the sub-watersheds of the Kiile River were categorised into four priority classes: very high, high, medium, and low. The SW-8 and SW-5 fall under the very high priority class, SW-3, SW-4, SW-6, and SW-9 fall under the high priority class, SW-1, SW-7, and SW-2 fall under the medium priority class, and SW-10 falls under the low priority class. This study significantly contributes to the management of mountainous watersheds and may be useful for decision-makers in sustainably managing and conserving the watershed resources.