Modelling Land Degradation (LD) Using Geospatial Techniques for Agricultural and Environmental Management Case Study: Alla Catchment; Dekemhare-Eritrea

Abstract

Eritrea faces significant environmental and agricultural challenges due to human activities, rugged terrain, and fluctuating climates like recurrent droughts and erratic rainfall. Desertification, deforestation, and soil erosion are major concerns affecting soil quality, water resources, and vegetation, especially in areas like the Alla catchment. Recent assessments reveal declining vegetation and precipitation levels over four decades, alongside rising temperatures, linked to increased desertification and land degradation driven by climate variations and prolonged droughts. The urgent need for sustainable land management practices is explained by reduced productivity, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. This study focused on modelling land degradation in Eritrea’s Alla catchment using advanced geospatial techniques. Vegetation indices and soil erosion models were used to evaluate critical factors such as rainfall Erosivity, soil erodibility, slope characteristics, and land cover management. The resulting model highlighted varying levels of susceptibility to land degradation, highlighting widespread vulnerability characterized by high and very high susceptibility hotspots. Areas with minimal degradation were found in the northern vegetation-covered regions. Soil loss in the catchment is primarily influenced by inadequate land cover, steep slopes, soil erosion susceptibility, erosive rainfall patterns, and insufficient support practices. The study underscores the urgency of addressing deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices to mitigate soil erosion. Recommendations include enhancing community capacity for effective land management, promoting climate adaptation strategies, and aligning national efforts with the global Sustainable Development Goals to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality.