Spatiotemporal development of land use systems, influences and climate variability in Southwestern Ghana (1970–2020)

Isaac Sarfo (), Bi Shuoben (), Li Beibei (), Solomon Obiri Yeboah Amankwah (), Emmanuel Yeboah (), John Ernest Koku (), Edward Kweku Nunoo () and Clement Kwang ()
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Isaac Sarfo: Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology
Bi Shuoben: Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology
Li Beibei: Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology
Solomon Obiri Yeboah Amankwah: Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology
Emmanuel Yeboah: University of Ghana
John Ernest Koku: Central University
Edward Kweku Nunoo: University of Cape Coast and Department of Environment & Development Studies, Central University
Clement Kwang: University of Ghana

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2022, vol. 24, issue 8, No 7, 9883 pages

Abstract: Abstract This study assesses the spatiotemporal development of land use systems and climate variability in Southwestern Ghana over the past five decades using integrated remote sensing techniques and existing literature. We demonstrated the relationship between Normalized Difference Vegetative Index, Normalized Difference Water Index, Normalized Difference Built-up Index, surface temperature and precipitation using geoinformatics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r). We found change in land use systems in Southwestern Ghana to be immensely driven by economic and socio-political factors. Interestingly, some biophysical factors have somewhat contributed to this change. Findings revealed a drastic decline in forested areas (−334.8 km2 yr−1) and waterbodies (−4.79 km2 yr−1), along with a dramatic increase in built-up (+137.93 km2 yr−1) and farmlands/shrubs (+131.97 km2 yr−1). Change in prevailing microclimatic conditions can be associated with land cover change, considering the impact of major drivers observed over the given period. Results showed a very weak positive correlation between vegetation and temperature (r = 0.214). Similarly, built-up correlated positively with vegetation (r = 0.165), water-index (r = 0.818; strong correlation or evidence of association) and temperature (r = 0.266). In contrast, other used variables correlated negatively with precipitation. The study serves a seminal guide to land use developers and institutors for effective and sustainable use of natural resources.

Keywords: Land use; Driving forces; Surface temperature; Forest transition theory; Sustainable development; Ghana (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-021-01848-5

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