Estimating Land Use and Land Cover Trends in the Context of Socio-Economic and Climate Change in Ethiopian Watershed

Abstract

For decades the world has experienced extensive tropical deforestation. In some countries there are now signs of a forest transition whereby loss of natural forest continues while land previously used for agriculture or grazing is being converted into tree plantations and cash crops. This watershed study explores drivers and impacts of such developments to socio-economy and carbon storage and its policy relevance. The study was based on satellite image analysis, field data and interviews regarding land use and forest cover, socio-economic situation and policy over 14 years. It found that intensified land management and drivers of market, infrastructure and household tenure security, have contributed to increased production of food and tree crops and increased forest cover. This forest transition is partly related to policy and driven by the households’ response to a changing market and socio-economic situation. Understanding drivers of change can contribute to sustainable climate and resource management policies.

Keywords: Carbon sequestration, Driving forces, Forest transition, Policy, Woodlot plantation