Vegetation vulnerability analysis by using GIS and remote sensing techniques: a case study of Sensawuha Watershed, Ethiopia

Rapid increase in population and the continual search for farm land has induced pressure on natural vegetation in Ethiopia. As part of the effort to curb this problem, this study investigated the magnitude of vegetation vulnerability and the driving forces behind it in a particular watershed in the country. The variables considered for vegetation vulnerability analysis were distance from the roads, settlements, slope, and land use management practices. Different weights have been given to these factors based on the experts ranking and key informant interviews regarding their relative influences. The weights were calculated using pair-wise comparison method and weighted factors maps were integrated using weighted overlay analysis to run the vegetation vulnerability model. Finally, vegetation vulnerability risk map of the study area was produced. The results indicated that areas with gentle slope, with no any land use management practices and those located close to roads were the most vulnerable to degradation. In contrast, those areas with steep slope, far away from roads and with positive land use management have been considered as the least vulnerable to vegetation degradation. The other factors that have highly governed the vulnerability of these zones were population density. In order to improve vegetation vulnerability, establishing the relevant natural resource management practices and planning of appropriate land use plan is essential.