Assessing Landcover Change for the Management of Floral and Aquatic Ecosystem in Kalikiliki Area of Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

: Human activities have adversely changed landcover in most residential areas thereby negatively impacting the ecosystems. Therefore, understanding dynamics of landcover is important for efficient ecosystem management and sustainability. The aim of this study was to assess floral and aquatic ecosystem change in Kalikiliki area of Lusaka, Zambia for a period 2004 to 2020 in order to suggest appropriate sustainability measures. Geographical Information Science was used to detect land cover based on google earth engine imageries. Questionnaires were used to collect data on ecosystem management and sustainability practices. Results of the study indicated a significant change in ecosystem composition in Kalikiliki area, which was greatly influenced by socioeconomic and political activities in the area. Generally, vegetation was lost to build up human settlements and other socioeconomic amenities. It was also established that environmental clubs played a role in ecosystem management and sustainability, but only yielded average results in ecosystem management and sustainability because their use was below average. The analysis and findings of the study highlight important policy implications for ecosystem sustainability in Kalikiliki Area and how that, urban planners and ecosystem managers must consider mainstreaming effective informal environmental education. It was suggested that environmental education be expeditiously implemented in the area for optimum results on ecosystem sustainability. The study also suggests that government entities in charge of ecosystem management should also adopt collaborative activities in the area for improved ecosystem sustainability.