This study assessed the losses in agricultural lands and enrichment of other land usages in agricultural area in Minna and environs in the state capital of Niger state, Nigeria. Data captured using Landsat Multispectral Scanner (MSS) (1990), Thematic Mapper (TM) (2000-2010) and Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (ETM+) (2000, 2010 and 2020) used to quantify LULC changes. A post-classification matrix prepared to assess the modification and conversion in LULC from 1990 to 2020. The significant modification in LULC observed as agricultural lands and vegetation underwent noticeable decline by 714.39km² and 578.94km², respectively whereas built up area increased substantially to a value of 96.91km². About 12.29km² agricultural land lost to barren land and 12.83km² converted to water bodies. Finally, the encroachments of vegetation and built up area in agricultural area caused substantial decreased the available land for agricultural activities. Remote sensing data provide useful for estimations of agricultural land loss on a regional scale.

Changes in lake surface area and fluctuations in water levels are common especially in the Ethiopian Rift Valley region. The aim of this study was to present the spatiotemporal changes of lake Beseka from 1985 to 2020 using multi-temporal Landsat images. Four spectral water indices, namely Normalized Differential Water Index (NDWI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) and Automated Water Extraction Index (AWEI) were used for the extraction of the lake water. The results of the study show that lake Beseka has tended to expand significantly and strongly over the past 35 years. During 1985, the lake surface area was around 30.9km² and within the next 35 years, the lake surface area increased by 18.18 km²and in 2020, its surface area is about 49.1 km². lake Beseka shows 0.2412km² area change from 2015 to 2020. This indicates lake Beseka has a decreasing trend of expansion compared to its history. However, the topography of Lake Beseka is lower in elevation a small water level rise in the lake can cover a large area and lead to significant impacts on the surrounding environment. Therefore, the monitoring of lake surface changes by multi-temporal satellite images is very necessary and of decisive importance.

The present study was carried out to assess the quality of housing of native ethnic tribes of cold desert, Leh-Ladakh. These ethnic tribes being the inhabitants of remote areas of cold desert are lacking behind in almost all the basic facilities. The study reveals that 40% of households were having Kacha houses. Most of the houses (55.77%) had two rooms for human use. Nearly, 23.10% households were having the size of the rooms as less than 100 ft². The average number of persons sharing each room was less than the recommended standard. About 85.44% households have improper ventilation and 38.59% households have traditional/pit latrines and even 63.35% of households were having pit latrines inside the house. About 49.27% of households have a cowshed located inside the courtyard. Majority of households (96.36) were not satisfied with their housing conditions. Very high quality of housing has been reported in the urban area. Both high and medium quality of housing has been noted in five blocks each, and low/very low quality of housing has been reported also in five blocks. The improvement in housing will lead to better health conditions and overall quality of life.

The MCDM-AHP technique was used for impact assessment of tourism on socioeconomic development in the coastal area with respondents’ point of view. The responses from native people were recorded using questionnaires through interviews about selected nine criteria including accessibility and connectivity, amenities, health care facilities, business, employability, standard of living, cultural values, agriculture and fisheries, and immovable properties. The literature review, fieldwork and experts’ opinions are fundamental keys to select the criteria and determination of ranks. About 35.55% respondents reported higher impact of tourism, 29.14% respondents informed moderate impact, 25.69% respondents reported less impact and 9.62% respondents reported very less impact of tourism activities on development in the region. The development of reported criteria varies according the beach area and relative location of the beaches on the shoreline. The beaches located far south and away from district headquarter show relatively less development. The focus of investment should be concentrated on development of the accessibility and connectivity, required amenities, health care facilities, small-scale business, employability, cultural values, agriculture and fisheries to improve the tourism activities for improving standard of living of native people in the region. The methodology, techniques and results achieved in this study can be useful for planning and monitoring the tourism activities for sustainable and uniform development in the similar areas.