The Role of Man on Land Cover Dynamics in the Jakiri Area, N.W. Region of Cameroon

Abstract

The Jakiri Plateau is an epitome of sub-Saharan agglomerations where man has had an untold impact on the land cover dynamics. This research thus stood to decipher and view in detail the role of man in determining landcover change. The study relies on the collection of data from secondary and primary sources. Questionnaires were administered to 310 Farmers and 84 Pastoralists in 17 villages. Information from Focus Group Discussions and Interviews was beefed up with facts based on measurements and Observations from the Field. The Topographic Map of Nkambe NB32XVII, at the scale: 1:200 000, was exploited. Data from satellite images were derived using the Multi-Spectral Scanner (MSS), Thematic Mapper (TM), and Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (ETM +). ASTER images for 2007 were used. Data were treated with the use of SPSS, ArcGIS and ERDAS IMAGINE software. The study reveals that anthropogenic actions are predominant in degradation; meanwhile, physical factors only contribute to the degradation process that rendered the Jakiri plateau susceptible to soil erosion and mass movement. The Normalized Different Vegetation Index (NDVI) revealed a decrease in NDVI values from +0.92 in 1988, +0.74 in 2001 and +0.5 in 2020, showing a vegetation decrease. Meanwhile, the Land Cover Classification revealed a change in forest/land cover, from 24.4% in 1988 to 9.83% in 2020, with a decrease in forest cover of 14.5%. On the contrary, built-up areas, grassland (savannah) and bare surfaces have witnessed an increase in land cover classes from 34.4%, 10%, and 31.2% in 1988 to 37.7%, 14%, and 38% in 2020, respectively. Our study equally identified population pressure, deforestation, rudimentary agricultural activities, overgrazing and forest exploitation Practices that transformed the landscape of Jakiri. The solutions that have been proposed focus on landscape restoration through improved farming systems such as agroforestry and also the application of certain technical methods. The proposed solutions are those that will take care of the needs of the present generation without jeopardizing that of the future generation.