Land Use / Land Cover Change in the Western Highlands of Cameroon: Case of the Sabga-Bamunka Area (1980-2020)

Abstract

Man has greatly influenced the environment through his different activities, technology and dynamism. These modifications are land use/land cover changes. This research describes and analyses the implication of land use dynamics on resources in the Sabga-Bamunka area over time and space from 1980 to 2020. Remote sensing techniques and Geographic Information System were used in describing and analysing land use/cover changes in the Sabga-Bamunka area. Primary data was obtained through field observation in order to confirm observation on satellite imageries. Land use maps were produced using GIS software. Maps were generated to show changes in land use/land cover which were transposed into table and bar graphs to show the magnitude of changes. The analysis of static land use maps of 1980, 2010 and 2020 all showed that there are significant changes observed on forest cover, farmland, grazing land and settlement area. The findings revealed that the study area has experienced a drastic change in land use/land cover during the last forty years. The study area is characterised with decrease in grassland areas, forest and increase in settlement and farmland due to the increasing population which are the main triggering force of land use/land cover changes that has led to the reduction in vegetal cover. Forest decreased from 6 568 hectares (26%) in 1980 to 2 842 hectares (10%) in 2020 indicating a magnitude change of -3726 (-29%) and grass land decreased from 16 434 hectares (64%) in 1980 to 14 585 hectares (53%) in 2020 that is a magnitude change of -1849 (-14%). These decreases gave way to settlements and farmland. Therefore, a reduction in the excessive consumption of fuel wood, the practice of eco-forestry, raising of awareness and a dialogue plate-form are amongst the measures recommended to reduce land use/land cover change in the study area.