| dc.description.abstract | Lukanga is one of the listed Ramsar Sites in Zambia, which contains a rich biodiversity and a
highly productive ecosystem. However, the valuable landscape has undergone a radical
change in its form over the decades. This study uses past and recent satellite data to evaluate
the typical land cover change over the decades. The objective of the study was to investigate
land use land cover changes (LULCC) in Lukanga Swamp from 2000 to 2023. The study
utilized satellite images from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), specifically
Landsat images from 2000, 2013, and 2023. The data was processed, analyzed, and
presented. Image pre-processing was used to correct distortions, and Erdas Imagine 2014 was
used for enhanced techniques. Both pre-classification and post-classification change detection
approaches were used to assess the change in the results from 2000 to 2023. Furthermore,
NDVI and NDWI analysis were implemented to assess the change scenario. The maximum
likelihood supervised classification technique was performed to create the signature class of
significant land cover category (deep water, shallow water, forest, irrigated farmland,
grassland and settlement/ bare soil). After ensuring satisfactory accuracy value for each
classified image, a detail post-classification change detection analysis was executed. The
results of this study have shown a decrease in the classes of deep water, shallow water and
forest areas by 9.4 %, 25.5% and 1.5%, respectively, over the 23-year period. The results
have also shown an increase in the land use land cover classes categories of irrigated
farmland land-irrigated, grassland, and settlements/bare soil by 0.28 %, 0.024%, and 36.3 %,
respectively. The study also showed NDVI and NDWI values for 2000 and 2023. The
maximum NDWI values were 0.32 and 0.15 for 2000 and 2023, respectively, indicating more
water bodies or higher water content in 2000. Vegetation cover status was determined using
NDVI values, with values of 0.61 and 0.45 in 2000 and 2023, respectively. A 2023 NDVI of
0.45 suggests vegetation presence despite a slightly lower density than in 2000. The study
area faces biodiversity loss, soil and forest degradation, land scarcity, and food shortages due
to LULC change. Adequate policy and strategy are needed to mitigate these impacts and
improve wetland protection, restoration and management. | en_US |
