Abstract

Author:
Suiven John Paul Tume and Foka Sherifatu Kinyuy

Doi: 10.26480/efcc.02.2025.50.63

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

The relationship between climate and land cover is vital for agricultural planning, as it directly impacts productivity, sustainability, and resilience within agricultural systems. Understanding this relationship can help mitigate risks associated with climate change and optimise land use. Climate change affects land cover through rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and an increased frequency of extreme weather events, which in turn affect soil quality, water availability, and lead to habitat loss. Conversely, land cover can influence climate by altering both local and global conditions, such as through deforestation and the establishment of human settlements, which impact evapotranspiration, soil moisture, and greenhouse gas emissions. Changes in climate and land cover have significant effects on agricultural productivity, crop yields, and overall food security. This study aimed to: (1) establish the relationship between climate and land cover, and (2) assess the implications of this relationship for agricultural planning. To achieve these objectives, field surveys, administered questionnaires, and conducted interviews were conducted. Changes in land cover and use using Landsat images from 1980, 2003, 2013, and 2023 were analysed, and complemented this data with rainfall and temperature records from 1960 to 2021, as well as crop production statistics from 2006 to 2023. The results revealed that the Koutaba municipality has lost over 50% of its forest cover, while rainfall levels have been declining along with rising temperatures. Additionally, crop production has decreased due to changes in land cover and climate fluctuations. It is recommended that stakeholders adopt Nature-based Solutions to promote sustainable agricultural practices.