Land Use Land Cover (LULC) Change Detection Using Geospatial Technique in Anbessa Forest, Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia

Abstract Background LULC analysis using satellite images for detecting the changes across a given landscape is a very crucial tool for understanding the nexus between forest ecosystems and human activities. LULC pattern of Anbessa forest had undergone fast changes over the last 30 years, but no research measured the level of the changes. The present study was aimed at detecting the LULC change pattern of Anbessa forest using data from satellite images between 1989 and 2019. Methods We examined the LULC changes of Anbessa forest using satellite image data over the period of 1989–2019 using geospatial technique. Results The results show a 29% and 18% decrease in land area under dense and open forests respectively over a period of 30 years. Conversely there is 32% and 25.6% increase in the land under agricultural land and settlement areas respectively. A relatively small average decrease of 8% in shrub land was found although there was a decrease from 1989 to 2004 and an increase from 2004 to 2019. Conclusion The fact that there is a decrease in natural and open forests and an increase in agricultural and settlement areas implies there had been fast degradation of natural forests of Anbessa forest due to human activities. Thus, there should be an intervention project that ensures the sustainability of the forest.