Analysis of land use and land-cover pattern to monitor dynamics of Ngorongoro world heritage site (Tanzania) using hybrid cellular automata-Markov model

Abstract

Assessment of land-use and land-cover (LULC) change of any region is one of the prominent features used in environmental resource management and its overall sustainable development. This study analyzed the LULC changes of Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) and its surroundings using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System integrated with Cellular Automata-Markov model. The LULC maps for the years 1995, 2005, and 2016 were classified using unsupervised and supervised classification procedure, and projected for 2025 and 2035 under business-as-usual scenario using the CA–Markov model. The results indicated maximum gains and losses in cultivated land and woodland in the study duration, respectively. The projected LULC for the period 2025 to 2035 showed a reduction in bushland, forest, water, and woodland, but an intensification in cultivated land, grassland, bare land, and the built-up area. The natural forests with high environmental values were found to be continuously declining under the current land management trend, causing the loss in the NCA's ecological values. For sustainable management, the authorities must reach conciliation between the existing LULC patterns change and ecosystem services monitoring. A rational land use plan must be made to control the increase of cultivated land and built-up area counting a rational land use plan and ecosystem services protection guidelines. Decision makers should involve stakeholder to support improved land use management practices for balanced and sustainable ecosystem services strategies.