Assessment of Current and Future Land Use and Land Cover in the Oueme Basin for Hydrological Studies

The modification of land use is a crucial factor in the dysfunction ecosystems. It greatly influences hydrological cycle basins. This study focused on Oueme basin, which represents almost half total area Benin, and aimed to describe current future evolution its cover using maps Land Use Cover Dynamics project (1975, 2000, 2013). A temporal analysis surface states was performed with QGIS, potential 2025, 2050, 2085 estimated Markov chain algorithm IDRISI software. results showed that basin predominantly savanna (77.70% 1975, 66.29% 57.10% Forest areas, represented second class 1975 proportion 13.34%, gradually decreased 8.66% 6.89%, respectively, 2000 2013. Conversely, cultivated areas had more than tripled quadrupled Residential increased rapidly southern part an acceleration recent period (6% between 2013, against 2% 2000). probably led lower stability rate this zone (56%) compared upper (74%). affected by changes conditions, these are likely be amplified (probable disappearance forested 2085). We recommend clarifying impacts each category generates/will generate basin.