SYNTHESIS AND CONCLUSION
The satellite image analysis discussed in this study indicated
the Lake Basaka catchment had experienced a
drastic change in its LUC conditions over the last 4–5
decades because of the rapid increase in human settlement,
deforestation, establishment of irrigation schemes
(MSE; Nura-Era) and ANP. Population pressures in the
area resulted in competition for scarce resources for survival,
sometimes resulting in conflicts between different
societies. These demographical pressures might continue
similarly or might be accelerated. The significant LUC
changes might have adverse effects on the environment
(e.g. land degradation; drought and ⁄ or flooding), as well
as socioeconomic conditions. Forestlands and grasslands
sharply decreased in the study area, while the lake size
and open bushy woodlands increased both spatially and
temporally. Shrublands and lava flows remained relatively
stable. Approximately 18 924 ha of forest and 4730 ha of
grazing lands were devastated from 1973 to 2008, with
the majority of loss grassland areas being overtaken by
the lake water.