Vegetation Changes to the Okavango Delta, Botswana: A Comparison Between Managed and Non-Managed Areas

Date of Award

3-10-2010

Document Type

Undergraduate Capstone Project

Degree Name

Master of Applied Science

Organizational Unit

University College, Environmental Policy and Management

Disciplines

Environmental Policy & Mgmt

First Advisor

Jerry Barker

Keywords

Botswana, Delta, Forest, Land management, Natural resources, Okavango, Vegetation

Abstract

This capstone explores vegetation changes in the Okavango Delta area of Botswana. Spatial analyses were conducted using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Normalized Difference Vegetation Index satellite imagery and Geographic Information System land management data to compare vegetation changes within managed areas to determine whether management practices have had beneficial or adverse impacts. Rainfall, logging, and livestock data were utilized to attempt to find a link to precipitation, logging, or overgrazing. After analysis the livestock data were the only one that showed a correlation to the vegetation changes observed. Of the vegetation cover types analyzed, forest showed the most change, a significant decrease. Little difference in vegetation changes was found in the managed areas, indicating that land management techniques are ineffective.

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

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