LAND-USE/COVER CHANGES AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS TO UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM NATURAL ECOSYSTEM

Abstract

Ecosystem alteration and biodiversity loss have been a common phenomenon resulting from the increasing land use/cover changes worldwide. Both natural and anthropogenic factors have been reported to influence these changes. We analysed the land use and cover changes, trends, major drivers of changes and finally, available and potential threats and opportunities for the remaining ecosystem at the University of Dar es Salaam. Data for this study were generated through remote sensing techniques using 1970-1986, 1986-2002 and 2002-2018 satellite images, key informant interviews, household questionnaire and direct field observations techniques. Results indicate that, construction activities at the University of Dar es Salaam increased cumulatively from 1970 (3.458%) to 2018 (6.977%). This increase in construction activities has resulted to a decrease of 77.9% of the campus area natural ecosystem. From Landsat images it was observed that forest cover has been declining while bare land and built-up areas have been increasing between 1970 to 2018. Construction activities increase in population and nature processes where found to be the major drivers of the changes. Furthermore, construction activities and population increase have already shown their impacts to the university ecosystem. When well taken care of, the university could provide good study areas due to its unique environment. There is need to enforce and adhere to the University Master Plan while ensuring that environmental audits and mitigation measures are adhered to (as recommended in any Impact assessment reports) during any development activities on the campus.

Key words: Land use and cover change, - University of Dar es Salaam, - drivers of change.