Understanding the characteristics of agricultural land transition in Thiès region, Senegal: an integrated analysis combining remote sensing and survey data

Abstract

Adopting an integrated analysis is a prominent tool for a coherent understanding of the characteristics of agricultural land transition in developing countries. Hence, using an integrated analysis combining remote sensing and survey data, this investigation aimed to understand the spatial-temporal distribution and intensity of agricultural land transition in Senegal through a case study in the Thiès region. Through ArcGIS and ENVI software, we interpreted the land use types from 2000 to 2020 and the transfer matrix method used to characterize the agricultural land transition. Then, the Pearson correlation coefficient is used to determine the intercorrelation between natural and socio-economic driving factors of agricultural land use. The main results show that agricultural land transition was about −588.66 km2. Grassland was the most crucial land morphology to participate in this transition. Regarding spatial distribution, the highest net transition of agricultural land was recorded in Mont-Rolland (33.22%) and the lowest in Sandiara commune (−41.73%). The temporal distribution is represented in Koul, with −0.35%, and Mont-Rolland commune, with 24.84%. The intensity of agricultural land transition was high in Malicounda commune, at 11.34%. The social survey also shows a strong relationship between wind erosion and land salinity (0.971) as potential driving factors that may induce agricultural land transition. Based on an integrated method, the contribution of this study enhances the theoretical approach and methodology for assessing the mean potential driving factors in developing countries such as Senegal. Consequently, agricultural land transition in Thiès region was complex and must be implemented with complex and comprehensible policy solutions.

Lessons Learnt from the Influencing Factors of Forested Areas’ Vulnerability under Climatic Change and Human Pressure in Arid Areas: A Case Study of the Thiès Region, Senegal

“…In the past few years, implementing Blaise Diagne International Airport and establishing the Special Integrated Economic Zone have significantly altered the interface between urban and rural areas in the region. It has been highlighted that the mangrove forests in the southern part of our study area face constant influences from socio-economic and natural factors, and forested areas dropped by −41.01 km 2 from 2000 to 2020 [5]. This continuous reduction in forested areas is a concerning trend, particularly given the need to eradicate poverty and enhance food production.…”

“…Various methods are available for evaluating land use changes, especially in forests. The multiple linear regression correlation matrix, logistic regression, Gray correlation analysis, and Pearson correlation coefficient are utilized to assess the impact of climate change on species diversity, assess windthrow impacts on forest stands, and determine the intercorrelation between natural and socio-economic factors driving agricultural land use [5,[22][23][24]. In 2011, N.H. Ravindranath investigated the vulnerability index of agriculture and forests to climate change pressure [25].…”

“…For instance, issues such as food security are closely tied to the protection of cultivated land [3] and depend, in part, on the sustainable use of natural resources [4]. Hence, scientific research finds the challenges facing forested areas intriguing, especially in the context of uncoordinated economic development and the degradation of the ecological environment [5]. These challenges require solid and long-term solutions, particularly in arid regions such as Senegal.…”

“…Forest clearing significantly affects the climate system and land-atmosphere interactions [6], leading to changes in land use and land cover (LULC), which can influence various ecosystems and have implications for natural habitats and human survival [7]. In Senegal's Sahel region, droughts and human activities, such as farming, cattle overgrazing, bushfires, and monoculture, have negatively impacted the delicate ecological balances [5,8].…”