Abstract

Science and reporting information needs for monitoring dynamics in land-cover over time prompted research, and made operational, a wide variety of change detection methods utilizing multiple dates of remotely sensed data. Improper land use results in land degradation and decline in agricultural productivity. Hence, in order to get maximum benefits out of land, proper utilization of its resources is inevitable. The present study was aimed at identifying the land cover changes in the study area in the last 25 years and determines the extent and direction of change that has occurred. The study made use of Landsat TM 1986 and 2011 Remote Sensing Satellite Image for analysis to determine the extent and pattern of rangeland change. The results of the landuse/landcover change detection showed that in the last 25 years, 3 major changes were observed, grass land and open shrub land resource significantly decreased at a rate of 17.1 km²/year and 12 km²/year respectively. On the other hand in 25 years dense bushland, open bush land, dense shrub land and cultivated land has shown increment in size at a rate of 0.23 km²/year, 13.5 km²/year, 6.3 km²/year and 0.2 km²/year, respectively within 25 years. The expansion of unpalatable woody species significantly reduced the rangeland size and availability of grasses. The consequence of the decrease in herbaceous biomass production might result in high risk of food insecurity in the area unless proper interventions are made in time.

Keywords: GIS and remote sensing; Dire district; Landuse/Landcover; Landsat TM