Use of Landsat TM imagery for updating forest cover information on Mount Elgon Forest Reserve in Uganda on the Kaproron 1:50,000 map sheet

Detection of deforestation for updating maps with TM data is described. The deforestation process in Uganda and, in East Africa as a whole, has increased since 1970s. Mount Elgon Forest Reserve is one of the many forests in the country which are subjected to land, population and socio-economic pressure being threatened with total destruction. In this study, Landsat TM data is examined for its potential to provide reliable information for monitoring forest cover area and updating the Kaproron Map. Results showed a reduction of 27% of forest cover area in 27 years. Agricultural encroachment was the main cause for destruction of natural forest followed by re-afforestation. The study illustrated the importance of TM data as a source of information of forest cover status, capable of updating maps at 1:50,000