Mapping Vegetation Types and Land Use Dynamics in Kanyabaha Wetland from 1990 to 2021

Walakira, Paul and Gichuki, Cecilia and Muriuki, John and Kasoma, Pantaleon M. B. and Ndunda, Ezekiel (2024) Mapping Vegetation Types and Land Use Dynamics in Kanyabaha Wetland from 1990 to 2021. Journal of Global Ecology and Environment, 20 (3). pp. 13-27. ISSN 2454-2644

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Abstract

Wetlands are crucial ecosystems providing essential ecological services, yet they face increasing threats from human activities. This study focuses on Kanyabaha Wetland in Uganda, examining its vegetation dynamics over three decades (1990-2021) using Landsat satellite imagery. The research characterizes land use and cover types including papyrus, grasslands, farmlands, tree plantations, built-up areas, and woodlands. Remote sensing data was processed and classified using ArcMap software, validated through field verification, resulting in high overall accuracy (>75%) across all study years. The images were analyzed using a hybrid of unsupervised (ISO data) and supervised (Maximum Likelihood) classification techniques. Findings reveal significant shifts in vegetation cover, with papyrus dominating initially but declining over time due to expansion in farmlands and settlements. Grasslands also decreased, while areas under farming and built-up structures expanded. Transition matrices illustrate these changes, highlighting stable and shifting landscape dynamics. Statistical analyses indicate a decrease in papyrus cover from 51.5% in 1990 to 39.1% in 2021, while farmland and built-up areas increased from 3.0% to 31.6% and 3.2% to 5.1%, respectively. This study highlights the vulnerability of Kanyabaha Wetland to anthropogenic impacts, necessitating targeted conservation strategies to sustain its ecological integrity amid ongoing land use changes.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: West Bengal Archive > Biological Science
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email support@westbengalarchive.com
Date Deposited: 02 Aug 2024 12:17
Last Modified: 07 Aug 2024 05:34
URI: http://article.stmacademicwriting.com/id/eprint/1409

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