Land Cover Dynamics (from 1986 to 2015) and its Relation with Area Closure and Slope in Hita-Borkena Watershed, Northeastern Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Land cover dynamics take place as a result of the integration of both physical and man-made factors. This situation is common in Ethiopia and in the study watershed as well. The study was intended to assess the land cover dynamics through 1986 – 2015 and to identify its relation with slope and landscape restoration that incorporates area closure. The analysis was made based on the interpretation of satellite images. Methods: Both ERDAS IMAGINE 9.1 and ARC GIS 10.3 software were employed in order to generate land cover maps of the study area from satellite images. Also, slope map of the study area was processed from DEM of Ethiopia. Results: The study found out that forestlands and shrublands shrunk through 1986 – 2015, grasslands expanded mainly due to the implementation of landscape restoration including area closure since 2001. Cropland expanded remarkably. Similarly, the coverage of bareland and settlement also increased. Conclusions: Based on the results of the study, it is concluded that similar restoration activities shall be implemented in similar environments in Ethiopia to keep the natural resources, and the vegetation cover of Hita-Borkena watershed shall be improved.