Vegetation Dynamics Analysis Using Normalized Differences Vegetation index as Indicator Of Restoration or Degradation, in South Wollo Zone, Northern Ethiopia
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Date
2014-09
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Ethiopia is facing rapid deforestation and degradation of land. To overcome this serious problem, the Government of Ethiopia has taken different measures such as policy interventions, conducted studies, and implemented massive soil and water conservation (SWC) and capacity building programs. The study analyzed normalized difference vegetation index as indicator of vegetation restoration/degradation, in South Wollo, Northern Ethiopia. The study analyzed inter-annual normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) changes using MODIS data. The analysis was based on data from 2000 to 2011, by classifying in to three parts, i.e., from 2000 to 2005, 2006 to 2011, and 2000 to 2011 for the dry seasons. Between 2000 and 2005 degradation was greater than restoration but the rest two section (2006 to 2011 and 2000 to 2011) show general vegetation restoration. The statistical result indicated that in the period the area shows significant restoration and degradation at 90% and 95% confidence interval. The study also shows vegetation dynamics across the slope by using cross tabulation method. Average 2000 NDVI cross tabulation indicated that more vegetation dynamics is shown in lower (0-10) slope interval but little vegetation dynamics in higher slope interval. However, vegetation restoration is slightly greater than degradation in higher slope interval. On the other hand Average 2005 show almost balanced vegetation degradation and restoration between 0 and 10 degree slope but in higher slope interval i.e.40 degree and above vegetation restoration higher than degradation. Average 2011 cross tabulation also the same with earlier but in lower slope area vegetation degradation mach greater than restoration. Generally in higher slope area vegetation restoration greater than degradation that indicates it is not accessible for the expansion of Agriculture. On the other hand in lower slope area vegetation degradation greater than restoration which indicates the area more accessible for the expansion of agriculture
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Geography and Environmental Studies