Land Cover Change and Deforestation in Gazetted Maji Mazuri Forest, Kenya

Loss of forest cover and forest degradation are of global and national concern. Among other things, such changes can lead to reduction in stream discharges, increased erosion and loss of biodiversity, which may alter the functioning and values of affected ecosystems. This study used three Landsat images acquired in 1975, 1986 and 2005, to determine land cover changes and likely environmental impacts in Maji Mazuri forest in Kenya. The results of the analysis showed that between 1975 and 2005, natural forest decreased by about 42.31%. The likely environmental impacts include loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and changes in forest hydrology. All stakeholders should be involved in policy formulation and implementation for better management of this important ecological resource.