LAND USE AND LAND COVER CHANGE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON GULLY EROSION IN SUSWA CATCHMENT, NAROK COUNTY

Abstract

This study investigated land use and land cover change for the last 26 years in Suswa Catchment, Narok County using satellite imageries. Changes in land use and land cover (built up areas, agricultural land, grassland, bareland and shrubland) for 1985-2000, 2000-2011 and 1985-2011 were determined using Chisquare test. Results showed no significant changes in built up areas, agricultural land, bareland, grassland and shrubland during the period. Overall change of built up area, shrubland, bareland, agriculture increased in 26 years, while grassland decreased. Grasslands were therefore converted to build up areas, shrubland, bareland and agricultural areas during this period. An increase in built up area, bareland and agricultural land and a decrease in grassland are therefore drivers of gully erosion. A decrease in grassland results in an increase in soil erosion. Projections (2020) indicate a significant increase in built up area, agricultural land and bareland and a decrease of grassland. Key words: Land use and cover change, Soil Erosion, Remote Sensing, GIS, Narok County