Assessment of land use/land cover change and its impact on ecosystem services in river Manafwa watershed, Uganda

Abstract

Ecosystem services are highly vulnerable to a number of impacts due to the complex effects of human use of natural resources and subsequent land use / land cover change. Assessment of the impact of change in land use / land cover with respect to ecosystem services is necessary in order to implement appropriate land uses that enhance ecosystem services. This study analyzed the impact of change in land use / land cover on ecosystem services using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model to map and quantify two ecosystem services (Carbon sequestration and sediment retention) in river Manafwa watershed, which has experienced significant land use / land cover change. The study also assessed the changes in land use / land cover of the years 2000, 2010 and 2020 and their impact on the selected ecosystem services.