| Popis: |
The rapid growth of Lusaka, to a population of around 1 million by the early 1990s, has generated considerable pressure on hinterland resources. Amongst others, there is a high demand for wood as the majority of Lusaka's population rely on charcoal for their domestic energy. It is estimated in this study that at least 150 km2 of indigenous woodlands are currently cleared annually to meet this need. The bulk of this woodfuel production is unlicensed and uncontrolled but accurate data on its location and the resulting deforestation do not exist. Airborne remote sensing and ground data were used to assess woodland status and land cover change in twelve Sample Areas at varying distances from the city. The results show that, although woodlands seem to be generally degraded in the Lusaka area, they also have a considerable capacity for regeneration under suitable conditions. In addition, deforestation around Lusaka has not followed the radial pattern common to many Third World cities; the land tenure system in place adjacent to the city has been effective in maintaining a fairly large proportion of woodland cover in this area. As a result, the bulk of the woodfuel production is taking place on more remote, largely unalienated land. Satellite data may be an appropriate source of information for monitoring these, and other, extensive deforestation activities. Promising results were obtained in a preliminary assessment of the woodland information available form the visual interpretation of Landsat MSS imagery. |
