Digital Technology-Based Assessment of Land Use and Tree Canopy Cover Dynamics in Selected Localities of Gamo Zone, South Ethiopia

Abstract

Digital technologies are vital for mapping land uses/covers and enhancing forest monitoring practices. This study aimed to map land use/land cover (LULC) changes, analyze tree canopy cover dynamics, and evaluate the role of improved cook stoves (ICS) in forest conservation in selected localities of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Detailed spatiotemporal data were acquired using high-resolution satellite (LANDSAT, Spot, LASAC) images, aerial photography, Global Forest Watch (GFW), GIS techniques, and ground truth (ground control point). The LULC classes were classified using a supervised classification technique. Magnitudes and rates of LULC dynamics were computed using relevant techniques. It was found that forest (79.1%) and agroforestry (137.6%) showed significant increases following the provision of ICS to households in the study localities. The findings confirm the effectiveness of implementing ICS in the conservation and sustainable management of forests. The study recommends scaling up the adoption of ICS through community engagement and targeted interventions, leveraging updated remote sensing technologies for continuous monitoring, and integrating findings into local forest management policies. These measures aim to support long-term biodiversity conservation, mitigate deforestation, and enhance ecosystem resilience in the Gamo Zone.