Addo Koranteng

The study evaluated the space-time fluctuations of the land cover land use changes (LULCC) in the peri-urban rural districts of Greater Kumasi in Ghana from 1990 to 2020. Several satellite images derived from medium to high-level spatial resolution (Landsat, Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) and Sentinel) in decadal inter

The Accra Metropolis of Ghana has experienced rapid urban expansion over the past decades. Agricultural and forestlands have been transformed into urban/built-up areas. This study analysed urban expansion and its relationship with the temperature of Accra from 1986 to 2022. Multi-source datasets such as remote sensing (RS) and other ancillary data were utilised. Land use land cover (LULC) maps were produced employing the random forests classifier. Land surface temperature (LST) and selected d(RS) Indices were extracted. Regression techniques assessed the interplay between LST and remote sensing indices. The LULC maps revealed increasing trends in the urban/built-up areas at the expense of the other LULC types. The analysis from the LST and the RS indices revealed a direct relationship between temperature and urban/built-up areas and an inverse relationship between temperature and vegetation. Thus, spatial urban expansion has modified the urban temperature of Accra. The integrated ut...

The Accra Metropolis of Ghana has experienced rapid urban expansion over the past decades. Agricultural and forestlands have been transformed into urban/built-up areas. This study analysed urban expansion and its relationship with the temperature of Accra from 1986 to 2022. Multi-source datasets such as remote sensing (RS) and other ancillary data were utilised. Land use land cover (LULC) maps were produced employing the random forests classifier. Land surface temperature (LST) and selected d(RS) Indices were extracted. Regression techniques assessed the interplay between LST and remote sensing indices. The LULC maps revealed increasing trends in the urban/built-up areas at the expense of the other LULC types. The analysis from the LST and the RS indices revealed a direct relationship between temperature and urban/built-up areas and an inverse relationship between temperature and vegetation. Thus, spatial urban expansion has modified the urban temperature of Accra. The integrated utilisation of RS and GIS demonstrated to be an efficient approach for analysing and monitoring urban expansion and its relationship with temperature. Article Highlights • Urban expansion has led to the conversion of agricultural and forestlands into urban areas in Accra, Ghana. • There is a direct relationship between temperature and urban/built-up areas. • The adopted techniques proved effective in analysing and monitoring urban expansion and its impact on temperature.

Forest loss, unbridled urbanisation, and the loss of arable lands have become contentious issues for the sustainable management of land. Landsat satellite images for 1986, 2003, 2013, and 2022, covering the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and its adjoining municipalities, were used to analyse the Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes. The machine learning algorithm, Support Vector Machine (SVM), was used for the satellite image classification that led to the generation of the LULC maps. The Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalised Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) were analysed to assess the correlations between the indices. The image overlays of the forest and urban extents and the calculation of the annual deforestation rates were evaluated. The study revealed decreasing trends in forestlands, increased urban/built-up areas (similar to the image overlays), and a decline in agricultural lands. However, there was a negative relationship between the NDVI and NDBI. The re...

Temperature variability may have direct and indirect impacts on the environments of the Accra and Kumasi Metropolises in Ghana. This study analysed temperature and trends in temperature in both cities using in-situ measurements from one meteorological station in both cities from 1986 to 2015. The temperature indices were computed using the RClimdex package from the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection Monitoring Indices (ETCCDMI). The temperature time series was pre-whitened before the Mann–Kendall trend and Sen’s slope estimator analysis were applied. Initial analysis revealed minimal variation in temperature in both cities. The results from the analysed temperature indices revealed an increase in warm days and a general rise in the minimum temperature compared to maximum temperatures. Mann Kendall and Sen’s slope revealed significant trends in the annual and seasonal (dry and wet seasons) in minimum temperature in both cities. These might lead to an increased rate of heat-stres...

Land-use and land-cover change in both forest reserves and off-reserves is a critical issue in sub Saharan Africa. Deforestation and conversion of forest land to agricultural land continue to be one of the major environmental problems in Africa, and for that matter, Ghana cannot be exceptional; and its resultant effect is the loss in the ecological integrity and the quality of forests, resulting in carbon loss and the resultant climate change effects (FAO 2016). The study area covers the Community Resource Management Areas (CREMA) of the Mole National Park in Ghana, and this study reveals that the area is well endowed with a diverse composition and structure of woodland including dense, open and riverine stretches, which – under the national definition of forest – qualifies as forest. The results reveal that there had been an annual deforestation rate of 0.11% over the period of review. It was concluded from the study that woodland had high carbon stocks with an average carbon of 80...

Forest losses amid land use dynamics have become issues of outermost concern in the light of climate change phenomenon which has captivated the world’s attention. It is imperative to monitor land use change and to forecast forms of future land use change on a temporal and spatial basis. The main thrust of this study is to assess land use change in the lower half of the Ashanti Region of Ghana within a 40 year period. The analysis of land use change uses a combination method in Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS). Cellular Automata and Markov Chain (Cellular Automata-Markov) are utilized to predict for land use land cover (LULC) change for 2020 and 2030. The processes used include: (i) a data pre-processing (geometric corrections, radiometric corrections, subset creation and image enhancement) of epoch Landsat images acquired in 1990, 2000, and Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) 2010; (ii) classification of multispectral imagery (iii) Change detection map...

Land use and land cover (LULC) terrain in Ghana has undergone profound changes over the past years emanating mainly from anthropogenic activities, which have impacted countrywide and sub-regional environment. This study is a comprehensive analysis via integrated approach of geospatial procedures such as Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) of past, present and future LULC from satellite imagery covering Ghana’s Ashanti regional capital (Kumasi) and surrounding districts. Multi-temporal satellite imagery data sets of four different years, 1990 (Landsat TM), 2000 (Landsat ETM+), 2010 (Alos and Disaster Monitoring Constellation-DMC) and 2020 (SENTINEL), spanning over a 30-year period were mapped. Five major LULC categories – Closed Forest, Open Forest, Agriculture, Built-up and Water – were delineated premised on the prevailing geographical settings, field study and remote sensing data. Markov Cellular Automata modelling was applied to predict the probable LULC c...

Quantifying the forest loss and land use dynamics using satellite data is becoming increasingly important in natural resource management. Deforestation anddegradation have become issues of paramount concern due to climate changeanxieties. Satellite imagery in this study via Landsat TM, Landsat ETM + and DMChave provided vital tools for assessing forest loss and land use change in theWestern Region of Ghana from 1990 -2010. The study employed a combinationmethod in Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) toestimate, classify and map the forest cover and land use change over a twentyyear period. The study revealed a very serious problem of forest loss. The WesternRegion is the mostforested, natural resources rich and biologically diverse inGhana. This study offers vital pieces of information which may be used to observe;advice and sway land use to a more beneficial and sustainable manner as thetrend of forest loss is alarming in this part of country.

Deforestation in tropical Africa is driven by a variety of socio-economic and environmental factors, and has resulted in land cover changes that threaten biodiversity, water and energy resources, and contributes to trace-gas emissions. Several conservation and development studies have concluded that the deforestation in Africa is closely tied to demographic conditions

Man has been altering land cover since pre-history through the use of fire to hunt for game and since the advent of plant and animal domestication, through the clearance of patches of land for housing, agriculture and livestock. In the past two centuries the impact of human activities on land has grown enormously, altering entire landscapes, and ultimately impacting the earth abiotic components (climatic and edaphic factors) and other biotic components. Land-use and land-cover changes are local and place specific, occurring incrementally in ways that often escape our attention. Yet collectively, they add up to one of the most important facets of global environmental change. This study used the techniques of satellite imagery (Landsat images) and GIS to analyze the extent of land use /cover and land change between the years 1986 - 2010 in Kumasi and its environs of Ghana. Within this twenty year interval, the images were analyzed by comparison and contrasting to ascertain how the lan...

The connections between anthropogenic activities and natural environment are vital dynamics influencing forest-cover and other dynamic land use change in tropical countries.This study identifies the socio-economic factors driving these changes via synergies of different satellite imagery analysis (Remote Sensing) in Ashanti Region, Ghana. The studyunderscores the importance of Remote Sensing application in identifying, quantifying and effectively mapping forest loss and other land use changes through historical analysis of thesatellites (Landsat TM, Landsat ETM+, DMC and SENTINEL) images. The results revealed a continuous loss of forest, increasing agricultural activities and human settlements relatedactivities. Under the investigated period of thirty years from (1986-2016) , the land cover had been altered mainly by the conversion of forest into agricultural use, expanding humansettlements (population pressure), logging, fuelwood for cooking and mining. An urgent intervention is th...

Increasing population and other anthropogenic activities have profound effect on large areas of forested land and other land use/cover forms throughout the world. There is a certain cause and effect relationship between changing practice for development and land use change, thus necessitating an assessment of land use dynamics and the projection trend. A combination of geospatial and remote techniques were utilized to evaluate the present and future landuse/ landcover scenario of southern part of the Western Region of Ghana. Multi-temporal satellite imageries of the Landsat series and DMC were used to map the changes in land use from 1990 to 2010. Four major land use classes (Forest, Agriculture, Built-up and water) were considered as the most dynamic land cover/use (LULC) practice. Markov modelling was applied for prediction of probable land use/ land cover change scenario for the years 2020, 2030 and 2040. The study showed that in years 2020 to 2040 in the predictable future, ther...

Wylesienia obszarów tropikalnych są wynikiem złożonych procesów społecznych, gospodarczych i środowiskowych. Jedną z głównych przyczyn są zjawiska demograficzne–największe ubytki lasów tropikalnych są notowane w krajach o wysokim przyroście ...

The study describes typical evolution of forest cover in West Africa based on Ghana’s example. In this region, the population is highly dependent on forestry products which represent a vital part of the economy. The effect of population growth on natural resource utilization studies is very profound. This study assesses land use change in the Ashanti Region of Ghana within a 25 year period. The analysis of land use change uses a combination method in Remote Sensing (RS) to explain the effect of population growth on natural resource. The procedures used include: (i) a data pre-processing (geometric corrections, radiometric corrections, subset creation and image enhancement) of epoch Landsat images acquired in 1986, 2007, and Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) 2011; (ii) classification of multispectral imagery (iii) Change detection mapping. The results show a very grim picture of the extent of forest loss due to anthropogenic factors such as Agriculture and settlement. Populatio...

Anthropogenic activities have profound impact on Land use and land cover (LULC) the world over affecting all abiotic and biotic components in all environments. Studying the effects of past, present and future LULC on forest cover and other dynamic land uses provide valuable information for environmental, land planning and climate change mitigation measures. This study uses a combined methodology of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System to map historical, current and future LULC through Satellite imagery (Landsat TM, Landsat ETM+, ALOS, Disaster Monitoring Constellation-DMC and SENTINEL) covering Greater Kumasi in a 40-year period. LULC classes such as Agriculture, Built-up, Close Forest, Open Forest, and water were considered based on the predominant geographical sceneries, remote sensing data and field study. Markov Cellular Automata modelling was employed for the estimation of likely LULC changes for the year 2040. The study discovered a perturbing development of forest loss (forest degradation and deforestation), decreasing agricultural activities whiles the Built-up share ballooned. Increasing urbanization at the expense of forest cover and transformation of agricultural lands into human settlements were observed. The forecasted LULC map for 2040 indicated an upward growth in Built up areas at the detriment of the other LULC categories. The outcomes validate the urgent necessity for critical review of regulations in LULC policy strategy, design, and development for the protection of forests and other critical ecosystem services to be preserved. This trend encompassing historical, current and future LULC necessitates that prudent resolutions have to be made to guarantee forest cover, make available land for agriculture and to mitigate the effects of the climate change

Forest plantation is reckoned to accounts for 7% of total global forest cover and has the potential to provide 75% of the global industrial round wood supply. The study analyzed forest resource use trend, mapped out areas of high biodiversity conservation, and made recommendations to promote and sustain large-scale plantation development against the background of anthropogenic pressure on vulnerable ecosystems and biodiversity management. The methodology adopted for the study involved the application of geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing techniques, field survey and community interactions. Major findings of the assessment include substantial land use/land cover conversion from one category to another within the past 20 years as a result of agricultural expansion, urbanisation, charcoal production and wood fuel harvesting; dense woodland and riverine forest experienced decline for the 20-year period whilst agriculture open woodland/grassland and settlement were ap...

AbstrAct Land-use and land-cover change in both forest reserves and off-reserves is a critical issue in sub Saharan Africa. Deforestation and conversion of forest land to agricultural land continue to be one of the major environmental problems in Africa, and for that matter, Ghana cannot be exceptional; and its resultant effect is the loss in the ecological integrity and the quality of forests, resulting in carbon loss and the resultant climate change effects (FAO 2016). The study area covers the Community Resource Management Areas (CREMA) of the Mole National Park in Ghana, and this study reveals that the area is well endowed with a diverse composition and structure of woodland including dense, open and riverine stretches, which – under the national definition of forest – qualifies as forest. The results reveal that there had been an annual deforestation rate of 0.11% over the period of review. It was concluded from the study that woodland had high carbon stocks with an average carbon of 80 tC/ha, the highest being 194 tC/ha and the lowest being 7 tC/ha, which was recorded in the dense woodland and grassland respectively. The fluxes within the land sector in the study area are moderate and the potential of the area to qualify for as REDD+ is very high. However, the drivers of deforestation, especially bush fires and illegal timber harvesting, are challenges that need to be addressed.

Increasing population and other anthropogenic activities have profound effect on large areas of forested land and other land use/cover forms throughout the world. There is a certain cause and effect relationship between changing practice for development and land use change, thus necessitating an assessment of land use dynamics and the projection trend. A combination of geospatial and remote techniques were utilized to evaluate the present and future landuse/ landcover scenario of southern part of the Western Region of Ghana. Multi-temporal satellite imageries of the Landsat series and DMC were used to map the changes in land use from 1990 to 2010. Four major land use classes (Forest, Agriculture, Built-up and water) were considered as the most dynamic land cover/use (LULC) practice. Markov modelling was applied for prediction of probable land use/ land cover change scenario for the years 2020, 2030 and 2040. The study showed that in years 2020 to 2040 in the predictable future, there will be a gradual increase in built up areas, while a stability in agricultural land use is envisaged. Agricultural land use would still remain the dominant land use type. Forests would be drastically reduced from close to 87% in 1990 to just fewer than 20% in 2040. This precarious situation would demand that prudent land use decisions to be made to keep Ghana's REDD+ program on track and to mitigate the effects of the climate change phenomenon.

Wylesienia obszarów tropikalnych są wynikiem złożonych procesów społecznych, gospodarczych i środowiskowych. Jedną z głównych przyczyn są zjawiska demograficzne–największe ubytki lasów tropikalnych są notowane w krajach o wysokim przyroście ...

Increase of population density in West Africa causes tension on forests and
development of agriculture and settlements and as a consequence, changes in land use and
land cover. Multi-temporal satellite imagery allows for assessing the extend and intensity of
this phenomenon (1986-2007-2011). The results show tremendous decrease in forests from
70% to over 16% as well as the increase in the area of settlements from 10% to 26%, and the
area of the farmland from 21% to 56%. The forecast for the nearest years indicates the
continuation of the trend.

Forest losses amid land use dynamics have become issues of outermost concern in the light of climate change phenomenon
which has captivated the world’s attention. It is imperative to monitor land use change and to forecast
forms of future land use change on a temporal and spatial basis. The main thrust of this study is to assess land use
change in the lower half of the Ashanti Region of Ghana within a 40 year period. The analysis of land use change
uses a combination method in Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS). Cellular Automata
and Markov Chain (Cellular Automata-Markov) are utilized to predict for land use land cover (LULC) change for
2020 and 2030. The processes used include: (i) a data pre-processing (geometric corrections, radiometric corrections,
subset creation and image enhancement) of epoch Landsat images acquired in 1990, 2000, and Disaster Monitoring
Constellation (DMC) 2010; (ii) classification of multispectral imagery (iii) Change detection mapping (iv) using Cellular
Automata-Markov to generate land use change in the next 20 years. The results illustrate that in years 2020 to
2030 in the foreseeable future, there will an upsurge in built up areas, while a decline in agricultural land use is envisaged.
Agricultural land use would still be the dominant land use type. Forests would be drastically reduced from
close to 50% in 1990 to just fewer than 10% in 2030. Land use decision making must be very circumspect, especially
in an era where Ghana has opted to take advantage of REDD+. Studies such as this provide vital pieces of information
which may be used to monitor, direct and influence land use change to a more beneficial and sustainable manner.