Name of research paper
Simulating future land-use within the uThukela and uMngeni catchments in KwaZulu-Natal
Name of research institution
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Name of Department / Faculty
Discipline of Geography, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences
1st Author of the research paper
Kimara Moodley, MSc
Authors:
Michele L. Toucher, Romano T. Lottering.
Email Address
kimaramoodley650@gmail.com
Submitting Authority
University of KwaZulu-Natal
College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science
School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Name of Submitter
Professor Romano Trent Lottering
Capacity of Submitter
Associate Professor and Academic Leader: Teaching and Learning
Email address of submitter
lottering@ukzn.ac.za
Short description of the research
The research conducted by Kimara Moodley focuses on simulating future land-use and land-cover changes (LULCC) within the uThukela and uMngeni catchments in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Utilizing the CA-Markov model in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the study successfully predicted future LULC scenarios. Validation results indicated high model reliability, with kappa values exceeding 80%. Projections suggest significant anthropogenic-induced changes, including increased urban and agricultural land uses, leading to further fragmentation of natural landscapes and potential impacts on ecological stability. The findings underscore the necessity for proactive land-use planning and sustainable water resource management in the region.
For the full paper click here: https://mg.co.za/wp-content/uploads/forminator/661847_5ac13dc6138b980575bd24f33eff4ea7/uploads/rEFBfWGsEOBJ-K_Moodley_Paper_1.pdf