Drought and Land-Use Dynamics in Urban Area

Abstract

Drought disaster and land-use dynamics in urban areas of Free State Province of South Africa w ere assessed in this study using space-based information in order to identify drought drivers utilising regression-based algorithms. Results from the study revealed that grasslands and barren surfaces had the highest land cover with about 114,512.53, 125,151.78 and 101,580.02 km2 for years 2001, 2015 and 2020, respectively. Land use (water bodies) and solar radiation are the leading factors driving drought within the province especially, in the urban areas. The study also revealed that cultivated lands declined drastically during the period of study as a result of drought disasters and more evident in the year 2015 over the Province. The method used in this study holds immense potential in addressing the multifaceted aspects of climate change, for instance, drought and its associated environmental impacts, especially in urban areas. These interconnections suggest the need to raise these alert levels across the province and provide a monitoring and early warning system due to its position in terms of urban development, agriculture and economy. The findings of this study could be useful information for activities aimed at ensuring the long-term urban and environmental sustainability of the Province, which is prone to drought and other climate events.