ROLE OF URBAN AND PERI-URBAN FOREST ON CLIMATE CHANGE UNDERSTANDING AND MITIGATION IN SAHEL CITIES: EVIDENCE FROM NIAMEY (NIGER REPUBLIC)

Abstract

This study examines the critical role of urban and peri-urban forests in mitigating and adapting to climate change in Niger's city of Niamey. The study uses a combination of spatial analysis, remote sensing, and modeling techniques to evaluate changes in Niamey's forest cover, temperature, and population distribution from 1992 to 2023. The results indicate a significant loss of woodland, a concerning rise in maximum and minimum temperatures, and a rapid increase in the urban population. The study emphasizes a substantial negative correlation between vegetation cover and surface temperatures, emphasizing the importance of urban forests in regulating the local microclimate. Additionally, areas with the highest population density coincide with pronounced urban heat islands, increasing the vulnerability of populations to the dangers associated with climate change. This research offers valuable information to inform policies and strategies that promote the sustainable management of urban forests in Niamey to enhance the city's resilience to climate change.