Geospatial Assessment of Vegetation Changes around the Odublasi Quarry in Ghana

Abstract

This study examined drivers of vegetation cover changes around the Odublasi quarry, analyzed trends of the change, and areas around the quarry prone to these drivers. Stakeholders were interviewed to identify drivers of vegetation cover change, while satellite imagery of the area from 2007, 2012, 2013, and 2014 were used for trend analysis. Field mapping of trees in the area was undertaken to acquire baseline data of vegetation for use in future studies and restoration projects. Identified drivers were; the construction of a new access road; switch in livelihoods of the local community members from small-scale quarrying to extracting biological resources around the quarry site; unsustainable farming and wood logging practices around the quarry; social exclusion; and afforestation programme around the quarry. A rising and falling trend in vegetation cover was observed in satellite images of the quarry site from 2007 to 2014. Activities around the quarry like shifting cultivation farming was a key driver of this undulating trend. Habitats along the access road to the quarry were identified to be vulnerable to the drivers of vegetation cover change and needed critical attention in any environmental restoration efforts.