Land Use/Land Cover Dynamics in the Western Highlands of Ethiopia: The Case of Meta Robi District

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the land use/land cover dynamics in Meta Robi district, West Shoa of Ethiopia. Satellites images of 1986, 2000 and 2013 were used for the study. Global positioning system and topographical maps of scale 1:50,000 for ground verification; field observations. 30 farming household’s interview was to get additional information. ERDAS Imagine 2010 and Arc GIS 10.2 software were used for satellite image processing and data analysis. The collected data was analyzed mainly using quantitative method. The results of satellites images and household interview showed that there were an expansion of agricultural land and settlement and decrease of forest and grasslands from 1986 to 2000. Thus, proper cultivation of the land with appropriate implementation of soil fertility management measures and a forestation and reforestation activities are recommended.

Keywords: Land use, land cover, Dynamics, Change analysis.