Mapping Land Use Land Cover Transitions at Different Spatiotemporal Scales in West Africa

摘要: Post-classification change detection was applied to examine the nature of Land Use Cover (LULC) transitions in West Africa three time intervals (1975–2000, 2000–2013, and 1975–2013). Detailed analyses at hotspots coupled with comparison LULC humid arid regions were undertaken. Climate anthropic drivers environmental disentangled by analyses. The results indicated that human-managed types have replaced natural types. total vegetation cover declined −1.6%. Massive net gains croplands (107.8%) settlements (140%) expense detected entire period (1975–2013). Settlements expanded parallel cropland, which suggests effort increase food production support increasing population. Expansion artificial water bodies during 1975–2000. Nonetheless, shrinking due encroachment wetlands other observed regions, loss whole Africa. indicate deforestation degradation resources Underlying a combination climate detected. are location specific both positive negative implications on environment. how processes local level, driven human activities, lead changes continental level may contribute global change.