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ABSTRACT
Assessing the health condition of a watershed using GIS is important and necessary because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the ecological health of a watershed, identifies areas susceptible to pollution and degradation, helps develop effective strategies for watershed management and restoration. The study was conducted in a bid to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the Ogba River Watershed in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The study utilized spatial analysis and modelling techniques within a GIS framework, utilizing five key indicators: Annual rainfall, Land slope, Soil type, Land use and Land cover, and population density. The study revealed two distinct health levels within the study area, categorized as Good (79.91%) and Moderate (20.09%). From the analysis of the overlaid health map, it can be observed that the indicators which had substantial influence in the good zone included; Land Use and Land Cover which was majorly Bare land and Farm lands. Land slope present was mainly (0 – 3.19) % and Soil type was Sandy-Clay-Loam. In the Moderate health zone, indicators which had substantial influence included; Land use and Land Cover which was dominated by Cultivated land and Farm lands. A Land slope range of (3.2-16.28) % was observed which can be considered to be a high slope classification. Soil type present was majorly Loam soil. The watershed can be said to be a good health state, attributable to the fact that the watershed currently consists of these two zones; Good and Moderate. However, due to farming activities observed the health of the watershed should be protected by practicing sustainable land practices. This project's significance lies in its contribution to the identification of areas susceptible to pollution and the formulation of effective strategies for watershed management and restoration.
