ANALYSIS OF LAND USE LAND COVER CHANGE IN THE GLEN VALLEY IRRIGATION SCHEME OF SOUTH-EASTERN BOTSWANA

This study focused on assessing land use land cover (LULC) changes in the Glen Valley Irrigation Scheme of South Eastern Botswana between 2002 and 2022. The study employed remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) tools for analysing LULC changes in the study area during the study period. Landsat 7 ETM+ and Landsat 8 OLI images of 6 February 2002 and 21 February 2022, respectively, were used to detect LULC changes. Image classification was done using a supervised classification approach based on a Maximum Likelihood Classifier. Seven LULC types, namely, Built up, Cultivation, Water body, Sparse vegetation, Moderately dense vegetation, Dense vegetation, and Bare ground, were identified in the area. Post Classification Comparison (PCC) approach was used to detect LULC change during the study period. A pronounced 250 ha increase of cultivated land resulted from 13.2% conversion of sparse vegetation, with adverse implication on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and global warming. A noticeable 105 ha increase of Built-up area in the City of Gaborone resulted from 4.3% conversion of sparse vegetation, with implications on land planning process related to rapid urbanization. All changes of LULC types relied on availability of sparse vegetation as a key carbon sink and stabilizer of GHG emissions. Mitigation strategies including conservation agriculture, efficient irrigation and renewable energy are considered necessary.