Abstract:
The increase in population leads to a need for housing and agricultural land. As a result, some areas
are being modified to meet these needs. In addition, rapid growth combined with the negative impacts
of climate change observed in recent decades, plays an important role in land use changes. This study
examines land use changes in Niamey, Niger, from 1981 to 2021. To detect land use changes, a
geographic information system is used. Data processing and analysis were carried out using ENVI 4.5
and Arc GIS 10.4.1 software. The results show that land cover changes in Niamey are caused by land
use and it was noted that the average changes of shallow areas, irrigated agricultural areas, and
agricultural land during the period 1981–2021 are estimated at 71479, 675554.5, 34572542, and
132208440 m2 respectively, which means that human activities through housing areas and agriculture
are the main causes of land cover changes. In contrast, the waterhole, the Sahelian short grass
savannah, and the steppe show a negative rate of -287416, -39583425, and -8669576 m2 respectively.
Human overexploitation of land has an impact on vegetation and water resources. This situation is
exacerbated by the impacts of climate change such as drought and desertification. This study provides
valuable information for land use planning and management, especially in the context of climate change
mitigation and sustainable development in the
region.
Description:
A Publication submitted to the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use, the Université de Lomé, Togo in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management
