Forest Cover Change Detection Using Remote Sensing and GIS in Banja District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Forest cover change analysis between 1973 and 2003 was conducted in Banja district, Awi zone, Amhara region using remote sensing and geographic information system supported with field verifications. Information was extracted from various Satellite images and different digital maps. The objectives of this study were to detect the extent and rate of forest cover change over the last 30 years. Three dates of Landsat image data of the 1973, 1986 and 2003 were used to produce land cover map in general and forest cover map in particular. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), image differencing and post-classification comparison change detection methods were employed. In addition to this, socioeconomic data were used in explaining the drivers of forest cover changes in the study area. The results showed that during the last 30 years, forest cover declined from 6044ha in 1973 to 2855.9ha in 1986 and 2446.9ha in the year 2003. The annual rate of forest cover change between 1973 and 2003 was 120ha/year. The socioeconomic factors like population growth, the demand for the expansion of agricultural land, fuel wood and construction materials were the major driving forces for the observed forest cover changes. Therefore, in order to reduce the problem of forest cover change, remedial actions are recommended.