A spatial and temporal assessment of wetland loss to development projects: the case of the Kampala–Mukono Corridor wetlands in Uganda

Abstract

This article reports an assessment of the spatial and temporal loss of wetlands to development projects (DPs) in the Kampala–Mukono Corridor (KMC). Four sets of satellite images (1974–2013), historical and field data sets were used to assess changes in the spatial extent of wetland land cover types. Through unsupervised classification, wetland cover types and DPs were delineated and future wetland losses to DPs projected through the IDRISI Selva-based Markov Chain model. The KMC wetlands have shrunk by almost a half (47%) since 1974, with DPs accounting for 56% of the total loss. The main drivers of wetland loss are inadequate development planning and the preference for Kampala as an industrial zone. Projections indicate that 61% of the gross KMC wetland loss (42.7%) by 2040 will accrue to more DPs. Wetlands along major transport arteries need conservation by proactive measures.