Land use land cover change and perception of drivers in the Bangweulu wetland and surrounding areas, Zambia.

Wetlands are essential for the natural function of ecosystems, because they regulate floods and have many other significant functions. However, land use-land cover (LULC) changes are the
main drivers of wetland deterioration globally, and Zambia is no exception. This study examined LULC changes in the Bangweulu Wetland and surrounding areas using remote sensing and GIS techniques, while questionnaires and key informants were used to identify the drivers of the observed changes. The general objective of the study was to assess land use /land cover (LULC) changes in the Bangweulu Wetland and surrounding areas. To realize this, land use was reclassified into five categories, namely, settlements, grassland, cropland, water and forest.
The findings revealed a decrease in forest coverage from 45,298.93 km2 in 1990 to 33,233.52 km2 in 2020. Similarly, the area of grasslands decreased from 32,557.91 km2 in 1990 to 26,418.19 km2 in 2020, while the area of water decreased from 2410.72 km2 in 1990 to 2278.31 km2 in 2020. Conversely, settlement land expanded from 356.69 km2 in 1990 to 2,210.38 km2 in 2020, while cropland increased from 165.27 km2 in 1990 to 5,108.13 km2 in 2020. The study also revealed several significant drivers of LULC change in the Bangweulu Wetland and
surrounding areas. Population growth scored highest, with a mean of 3.76 out of 5, followed by the expansion of human settlements (3.66 out of 5), the decline of ecosystem services (3.57 out of 5) and the decline of forests (2.64 out of 5). In comparison, minor drivers such as the built environment (2.21 out of 5), recreation (1.54 out of 5) and industry (1.34 out of 5) exerted less influence on land use changes. The factors influencing the perceived causes of LULC included agricultural development and energy-related factors, driven by an increase in market demand for charcoal and cash crops leading to heightened agricultural activities and the conversion of forest cover. Understanding these drivers and local perceptions is crucial for informing effective land
management strategies and promoting sustainable development. This knowledge can guide policies and interventions aimed at addressing the underlying causes of LULC changes and conserving the vital ecological functions of the Bangweulu Wetland.