Modeling Land-use Change in the Volta Basin of GhanaLand change studies in a 5,400km2 area within the Volta Basin of Ghana were carried out using satellite image and socio-economic analyses. The dominant change process was conversion of natural vegetation to cropland at an annual rate of 5%. Reversible land change trajectories involving accumulation of woody biomass indicate a certain level of rainfall-induced ecosystem resilience. Linear and logistic regressions identified agricultural land suitability, distance from main market and localities, child-dependency ratio and population density as the main drivers of change. Policy measures that would relieve human pressure on vegetation resources, guarantee food supply and promote commercialization of agriculture are suggested. |
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agricultural land ALTITUDE annual rainfall biophysical Built-up area change in population Changes in odds classification Clay cmol kg-1 coefficient conversion to cropland crop cropland change Dalun decreased the likelihood DOMINANCE driving forces ECEC fallow length farming geostatistical Grassland Grassland Cropland household image differencing importance independent variables indicates input kriging labor Lambin land characteristics land suitability index land-cover change land-cover map land-use change landscape likelihood of conversion likelihood of cropland linear logistic regression LUCC modeling main market maize membership values migration natural vegetation non-cultivated Northern Ghana NS NS NS nutrient odds ratio odds-ratio organic matter overall Overseas Development Institute paradigm parameters patterns permanently cultivated soils pixels population density post-structural production proportion RAIN relationship ROADS second period significant SLOPE soil fertility soil properties spatial correlation spatial scales study area Table Tamale TEMP TENURE variogram village level whereas Woodland Grassland Wuripe zone ΘΘΘ ΘΘΘ