Spatio-temporal Pattern of Deforestation The Case of Anbessa‘chaka’ Forest, Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

The study seeks to analyze the spatio-temporal pattern of deforestation of the Anbessa‘chaka’ forest, which is located in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, Ethiopia. Satellite images taken between 1989 and 2019 were analyzed using ARC-GIS and ERDAS 2018 to attain the objective of the study. The results show that over 95% of the land area of Anbessa‘chaka’ was under natural landscape in 1989 with 35.6% under dense forests, 31.8% under open forest, and 27.3% under shrubland. Only about 5% of the total area was under cultural landscape, with 4% agricultural and 1% settlement area. In 2004, dense forest, open forest, and shrub covered about 13.8% of, 18%, and 16% respectively, and agricultural and settlement areas covered 33.8% and 18.4% respectively. In 2019, the shares of dense forest, open forests, and shrublands became 7%, 13.8%, and 18.4% respectively. Agricultural and settlement areas covered 36% and 25% respectively. Dense forest decreased from 35.6% to 13.8% between 1989 and 2004 at a rate of 21.8% and from 13.8% to 6.9% between 2004 and 2019 at a rate of 6.9%. Open forest and shrub decreased at rates of 18% and 9% respectively over the last 30 years. In contrast, agricultural and settlement areas increased by 32% and 24% respectively over the same period. It is anticipated that Anbessa‘chaka’ will be completely deforested and changed into a cultural landscape in the near future if the current rate of deforestation continues. Thus, the study recommends research into the root causes of deforestation of the forest so as to take appropriate measures that can reverse it.