Enhancing Environmental Integrity in the Northern Savanna Zone of Ghana: A Remote Sensing and GIS Approach.

Abstract

Land degradation has become the hallmark of developing countries whose livelihoods are directly tied to the land such as engaging in agriculture. In Ghana land degradation is an environmental challenge to farming communities as such the need to investigate the complex nature of the problem in worse affected regions of Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions. Methods used to investigate land degradation in these regions are analysis of satellite imagery, modelling of desert hazard indicators in ArcGis 9.3 software and interview of farmers using focus group discussion. Findings of the study show three main risk levels of land degradation and desertification such as high, moderate and low risks. The study concluded by proposing suitable sites for woodlot development to address land degradation and desertification problems in the study regions.

Key words: Land degradation, desertification, land cover change, woodlots, risk levels.