Assessment of land use change in the Thuma forest reserve region of Malawi, Africa

Abstract A study was conducted in Thuma area central Malawi to quantify contemporary land cover and explore the degree of use change forest reserve by analysing comparing satellite-derived maps from 1997, 2007 2017. The carried out using Remote Sensing Geographic Information System (GIS), focusing on analysis Landsat 5 ETM 8 ORI/TIRS satellite images. classification for following distinct classes; closed forest, open shrubland, savanna grassland, agriculture fields, water. revealed that diminished 19% 1997 10% 6% Open reduced 30% 21% but increased 22% Agriculture almost doubled 37% 64% actual 2017, shows has 7,000 ha 3,000 while 12,900 7800 ha. Savanna grassland 5,900 13,000 However, future studies should modern satellites such as Sentinel 9 improved quantification changes. findings show even protected (previously dominated forest) is not fully deforestation local communities. Government other stakeholders devise measures meet needs surrounding communities ecological/biophysical reserves. Based this study, issues re-demarcation accessed also be explored. This serves a reference management Forest Reserve refuge natural tree species, rivers harbour endemic fish species ( Opsaridium microlepis microcephalis ) sustainable endangered elephants reserve.