Geospatial and information communication technology convergence (Geo-ICT): Enabling sustainable environmental management in Nigeria

The convergence of remote sensing, geospatial data and information communication technologies have created a significant opportunity for government and people to leverage the power of geography and location to enable improved decision support, planning and operations in environmental management. Governments and societies around the world are facing increasing and unprecedented environmental challenges such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, and bushfires. In Nigeria, major environmental challenges impeding her development include land degradation, deforestation, drought, erosion, desertification, environmental pollution and climate change. Studies have indicated that the country would suffer large ecological and economic losses if these environmental problems continue unchecked. This paper explores the convergence of Geospatial data and ICT as a tool for surmounting environmental challenges. The paper then proposes a conceptual framework for the development of community based Geo-ICT clusters to combat environmental challenges in Nigeria.