Land use and land cover changes and their implications for human-wildlife conflicts in the semi-arid rangelands of southern Kenya
Abstract
Land use and land cover changes are important processes that influence the ecological integrity of
wildlife dispersal areas and the dynamics of human
-
wildlife conflicts in rangelands around protected
areas. This study investigated trends in both land use a
nd land cover changes in Taveta District.
Remote Sensing imageries for Taveta District were analysed for the years 1987, 2001, and 2011.
Percentage changes in land use and land cover types for the years 1987 to 2001, 2001 to 2011 and 1987
to 2011 were de
termined. Between 1987 and 2011, significant (p < 0.05) changes occurred in woodlands,
sisal plantations, rainfed and irrigated agricultural areas. Shrublands, forests and water bodies showed
no significant changes. Wildlife habitats are expected to furthe
r decrease significantly due to agricultural
expansion. Land use and cover changes resulted from agricultural expansion and human population
growth. The land use and cover maps produced can be used as input to decision making that balances
restrictions on
human land use while maintaining the ecological function of the landscape, through
designation of Zones of Interaction as a first step to identifying opportunities that satisfy conservation
and livelihood needs. Proper land use planning and community aware
ness of the implications of these
land use and land cover changes are necessary.
Key words: Land use change, land cover change, rangelands, Taveta district, human
-
wildlife conflicts
URI
http://www.academicjournals.org/article/article1381480548_Syombua.pdfhttp://hdl.handle.net/11295/64976
Citation
Mbau Judith Syombua.Land use and land cover changes and their implications for human-wildlife conflicts in the semi-arid rangelands of southern Kenya, Journal of Geography and Regional Planning Vol.6(5) , pp. 193-199 , July 2013.Publisher
University of Nairobi