Regional Sustainability >

2025 , Vol. 6 >Issue 6: 100277

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100277

Full Length Article

Effects of land use and land cover changes on ecosystem services and functions in the Kulpawn River Basin of Ghana

  • Osman ZAKARI ,
  • Charles GYAMFI ,
  • Samuel Anim OFOSU ,
  • Ebenezer BOAKYE ,
  • Solomon Tawiah APAFO ,
  • Geophrey Kwame ANORNU ,
  • Bernard Nuoleyeng BAATUUWIE
Expand
  • aRegional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, AK-039-5028, Ghana
    bEnvironmental Protection Authority, Savannah, DM 125, Ghana
    cDepartment of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, AK-039-5028, Ghana
    dDepartment of Civil Engineering, Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua, KF 981, Ghana
    eDepartment of Civil Engineering, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, 256, Ghana
    fDepartment of Civil Engineering, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, 854, Ghana
    gDepartment of Natural Resources and Geo-Information Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, TL 1882, Ghana
* E-mail address: ozakari82@gmail.com (Osman ZAKARI).

Received date: 2024-12-16

  Revised date: 2025-09-18

  Accepted date: 2025-12-15

  Online published: 2026-01-08

Fold

Abstract

The Kulpawn River Basin (KRB) plays a critical role in supporting rural livelihoods through agriculture, water supply, and biodiversity conservation. However, between 1995 and 2023, significant land use and land cover (LULC) changes have been observed, affecting ecosystem services (ESs). This study evaluated the ecosystem service values (ESVs) associated with LULC changes. The random forest algorithm was applied to extract LULC information from Landsat images for 1995, 2005, 2015, and 2023. The benefit transfer method was employed to estimate the ESVs over the study period. Questionnaires were also used to assess the views of respondents on the drivers of the ES changes in the basin. The results showed that agricultural lands expanded by 14.14%, built-up areas by 15.17%, and light savannah forest by 8.73%, while dense savannah forest and water bodies declined by 25.71% and 20.00%, respectively. The total estimated ESV was 410.09×108, 362.92×108, 335.30×108, and 319.28×108 USD/(hm2·a) in 1995, 2005, 2015, and 2023, respectively, indicating that the total ESV declined from 410.09×108 USD/(hm2·a) in 1995 to 319.28×108 USD/(hm2·a) in 2023. The study concludes that the reduction in ESVs is due to the LULC changes resulting from agricultural activities, expansion of built-up areas, population sprawl, and artisanal mining activities. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop programs and strategies to mitigate and curtail the degradation of LULC and ESVs in the basin. These findings reveal a growing ecological vulnerability, threatening water security and rural livelihoods. The study offers valuable insights to guide sustainable land use planning and ecosystem conservation strategies.

Key words： Ecosystem services; Ecosystem functions; Land use and land cover (LULC) changes; Ecosystem service values (ESVs); Kulpawn River Basin

Cite this article

Osman ZAKARI , Charles GYAMFI , Samuel Anim OFOSU , Ebenezer BOAKYE , Solomon Tawiah APAFO , Geophrey Kwame ANORNU , Bernard Nuoleyeng BAATUUWIE . Effects of land use and land cover changes on ecosystem services and functions in the Kulpawn River Basin of Ghana[J]. Regional Sustainability, 2025 , 6(6) : 100277 . DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100277

References

[1] Aabeyir, R., Peprah, K., Amponsah, A., 2024. Temporal analysis of the state of the Gbele Resource Reserve in the Upper West Region, Ghana. Front. For. Glob. Change. 7, 1353852, doi: 10.3389/ffgc.2024.1353852.
[2] Abungba, J.A., Adjei, K.A., Gyamfi, C., et al., 2022. Implications of land use/land cover changes and climate change on Black Volta Basin future water resources in Ghana. Sustainability. 14(19), 12383, doi: 10.3390/su141912383.
[3] Adiibokah, E., 2020. Assessing Water Security and Adaptation Strategies in the Sissili-Kulpawn Basin of the Northern Region of Ghana. [2024-11-11]. http://udsspace.uds.edu.gh.
[4] Admasu, S., Yeshitela, K., Argaw, M., 2023. Impact of land use and land cover changes on ecosystem service values in the Dire and Legedadi watersheds, central highlands of Ethiopia: Implications for landscape management decision making. Heliyon. 9(4), e15352, doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15352.
[5] Agariga, F., Abugre, S., Appiah, M., 2021. Spatio-temporal changes in land use and forest cover in the Asutifi North District of Ahafo Region of Ghana, (1986-2020). Environmental Challenges. 5, 100209, doi: 10.1016/j.envc.2021.100209.
[6] Alhassan, H., 2020. Farm households’ flood adaptation practices, resilience, and food security in the Upper East region, Ghana. Heliyon. 6(6), e04167, doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04167.
[7] Amisigo, B.A., McCluskey, A., Swanson, R., 2015. Modeling the impact of climate change on water resources and agricultural demand in the Volta Basin and other basin systems in Ghana. Sustainability. 7(6), 6957-6975.
[8] Ampim, P.A.Y., Ogbe, M., Obeng, E., et al., 2021. Land cover changes in Ghana over the past 24 years. Sustainability. 13(9), 4951, doi: 10.3390/su13094951.
[9] Ampofo, S., Sackey, I., Ampadu, B., 2016. Landscape changes and fragmentation analysis in a Guinea Savannah ecosystem: Case study of Talensi and Nabdam districts of the Upper East region, Ghana. Journal of Geography and Geology. 8(1), 41, doi: 10.5539/jgg.v8n1p41.
[10] Anley, M.A., Minale, A.S., Haregeweyn, N., et al., 2022. Assessing the impacts of land use/cover changes on ecosystem service values in the Rib watershed, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia. Trees For. People. 7, 100212, doi: 10.1016/j.tfp.2022.100212.
[11] Anning, A.K., Ofori-Yeboah, A., Baffour-Ata, F., et al., 2022. Climate change manifestations and adaptations in cocoa farms: Perspectives of smallholder farmers in the Adansi South District, Ghana. Curr. Res. Environmental Sustainability. 4, 100196, doi: 10.1016/j.crsust.2022.100196.
[12] Arifeen, H.M., Phoungthong, K., Mostafaeipour, A., et al., 2021. Determine the land-use land-cover changes, urban expansion, and their driving factors for sustainable development in Gazipur, Bangladesh. Atmosphere. 12(10), 1353, doi: 10.3390/atmos12101353.
[13] Asibey, M.O., Agyeman, K.O., Amponsah, O., et al., 2020. Patterns of land use, crop and forest cover change in the Ashanti region, Ghana. J. Sustain. For. 39(1), 35-60.
[14] Atulley, J., Kwaku, A.A., Owusu-Ansah, E.D., et al., 2022. Modeling the impact of past and future land cover changes on a reservoir catchment hydrology in semi-arid Africa. Research Square. doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1505575.
[15] Awotwi, A., Yeboah, F., Kumi, M., 2015. Assessing the impact of land cover changes on water balance components of the White Volta Basin in West Africa. Water Environ. J. 29(2), 259-267.
[16] Baidoo, R., Arko-Adjei, A., Poku-Boansi, M., et al., 2023. Land use and land cover changes implications on biodiversity in the Owabi catchment of Atwima Nwabiagya North District, Ghana. Heliyon. 9(5), e15238, doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15238.
[17] Barenblitt, A., Payton, A., Lagomasino, D., et al., 2021. The large footprint of small-scale artisanal gold mining in Ghana. Sci. Total Environ. 781, 146644, doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146644.
[18] Belay, T., Melese, T., Senamaw, A., 2022. Impacts of land use and land cover change on ecosystem service values in the Afroalpine area of Guna Mountain, Northwest Ethiopia. Heliyon. 8(12), e12246, doi: 10.1016/J.heliyon.2022.e12246.
[19] Berihun, M.L., Tsunekawa, A., Haregeweyn, N., et al., 2019. Hydrological responses to land use/land cover change and climate variability in contrasting agro-ecological environments of the Upper Blue Nile basin, Ethiopia. Sci. Total Environ. 689, 347-365.
[20] Biedemariam, M., Birhane, E., Demissie, B., et al., 2022. Ecosystem service values as related to land use and land cover changes in Ethiopia: A review. Land. 11(12), 2212, doi: 10.3390/land11122212.
[21] Biney, E., Boakye, E., 2021. Urban sprawl and its impact on land use and land cover dynamics of Sekondi-Takoradi metropolitan assembly, Ghana. Environmental Challenges. 4, 100168, doi: 10.1016/j.envc.2021.100168.
[22] Boakye, E., Anyemedu, F.O.K., Quaye-Ballard, J.A., et al., 2020. Spatio-temporal analysis of land use/cover changes in the Pra River Basin, Ghana. Appl. Geomat. 12(1), 83-93.
[23] Boampong, J.N., 2020. An assessment of land use/land cover and shoreline changes in the coastal zone of Greater Accra region, Ghana. MSc Thesis. Troms?: UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
[24] Bosompem, O.A., 2015. Land-use/land cover change and its relationship to changing climate and crop production in the Lower Volta Basin, Ghana. PhD Dissertation. Legon: University of Ghana.
[25] Darko, E., 2015. Hydrogeological Characterization of the White Volta River Basin of Ghana. [2024-11-11]. http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh.
[26] Duku, E., Mattah, P.A.D., Angnuureng, D.B., 2021. Assessment of land use/land cover change and morphometric parameters in the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site, Ghana. Water. 13(18), 2537, doi: 10.3390/w13182537.
[27] Etwire, P.M., 2020. The impact of climate change on farming system selection in Ghana. Agric. Syst. 179, 102773, doi: 10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102773.
[28] Gautam, L., Rai, R., 2022. Land use and land cover change analysis using google earth engine in Manamati watershed of Kathmandu district, Nepal. The Third Pole: Journal of Geography Education. 22(1), 49-60.
[29] Ghana Statistical Service, 2021. Population and housing census (PHC): Final results, Ghana Statistical Service. [2024-11-11]. https://microdata.statsghana.gov.gh/index.php.
[30] Grais, A.M., Sidman, G., Netzer, M., et al., 2017. Ecosystem Valuation Background Paper for Northern Ghana. Arlington: Winrock International.
[31] Groot, R.D., Brander, L., Solomonides, S., 2020. Update of global ecosystem service valuation database (ESVD). In: Foundation for Sustainable Development. FSD Report No. 2020-06. Wageningen, Netherlands.
[32] Gross, E., Pennink, C., 2018. Impact Evaluation of the Sustainable Water Fund (FDW) Integrated Water Management and Knowledge Transfer in Sisili Kulpawn Basin (FDW/12/GH/02) in the Northern Region of Ghana. [2024-10-30]. https://www.government.nl/binaries/government/documenten/reports/2020/04/30/evaluation-of-projects-co-financed-by-the-sustainable-water-fund-fdw/1++Ghana+IWAD+final+report.pdf.
[33] Gyimah, R.A.A., Karikari, A.Y., Gyamfi, C., et al., 2020. Spatial evaluation of land use variability on water quality of the Densu Basin, Ghana. Water Supply. 20(8), 3000-3013.
[34] Kang, J.M., Zhang, X., Zhu, X.W., et al., 2021. Ecological security pattern: A new idea for balancing regional development and ecological protection. A case study of the Jiaodong Peninsula, China. Glob. Ecol. Conserv. 26, e01472, doi: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01472.
[35] Kankam, S., Osman, A., Inkoom, J.N., et al., 2022. Implications of spatio-temporal land use/cover changes for ecosystem services supply in the coastal landscapes of southwestern Ghana, West Africa. Land. 11(9), 1408, doi: 10.3390/land11091408.
[36] Kankam, S., Koo, H., Inkoom, J.N., et al., 2025. Modeling the impacts of coastal land use scenarios on ecosystem services restoration in Southwest Ghana, West Africa. npj Ocean Sustainability. 4, 13, doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4432789/v1.
[37] Li, C.X., Dash, J., Asamoah, M., et al., 2022. Increased flooded area and exposure in the White Volta River Basin in Western Africa, identified from multi-source remote sensing data. Sci Rep. 12, 3701, doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-07720-4.
[38] Li, H., Guan, Q.C., Fan, Y.G., et al., 2024. Ecosystem service value assessment of the Yellow River Delta based on satellite remote sensing data. Land. 13(3), 276, doi: 10.3390/land13030276.
[39] Lukas, P., Melesse, A.M., Kenea, T.T., 2025. Integrating land use/land cover and climate change projections to assess future hydrological responses: A CMIP6-based multi-scenario approach in the Omo Gibe River Basin, Ethiopia. Climate. 13(3), 51, doi: 10.3390/cli13030051.
[40] Mekuria, W., Diyasa, M., Tengberg, A., et al., 2021. Effects of long-term land use and land cover changes on ecosystem service values: An example from the Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia. Land. 10(12), 1373, doi: 10.3390/land10121373.
[41] Mensah, J.K., Ofosu, E.A., Akpoti, K., et al., 2022. Modeling current and future groundwater demands in the White Volta River Basin of Ghana under climate change and socio-economic scenarios. J. Hydrol.-Reg. Stud. 41, 101117, doi: 10.1016/j.ejrh.2022.101117.
[42] Moges, A., Dibaba, A., Woldearegay, M., 2024. Anthropogenic effects and ecosystem services of tropical highland forests in Ethiopia. Glob. Ecol. Conserv. 55, e03237, doi: 10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03237.
[43] Mortey, E.M., Arnault, J., Inoussa, M.M., et al., 2024. Regional climate response to land cover change in tropical West Africa: a numerical sensitivity experiment with ESA land cover data and advanced WRF-Hydro. Front. Water. 6, 1372333, doi: 10.3389/frwa.2024.1372333.
[44] Murray, L.T., Sidman, G., Grais, A., et al., 2017. Northern Ghana Land Use Environmental and Economic Valuation Study. Arlington: Winrock International.
[45] Musetsho, K.D., Chitakira, M., Ramoelo, A., 2022. Ecosystem service valuation for a critical biodiversity area: Case of the Mphaphuli community, South Africa. Land. 11(10), 1696, doi: 10.3390/land11101696.
[46] Mustapha, U.F., Akongyuure, D.N., Abagale, F.K., et al., 2016. Fish and fisheries of the Sisili-Kulpawn river basin in the Northern region, Ghana. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences. 9, 112-119.
[47] Napogbong, L.A., Ahmed, A., Derbile, E.K., 2021. Fulani herders and indigenous strategies of climate change adaptation in Kpongu community, North-Western Ghana: implications for adaptation planning. Clim. Dev. 13(3), 201-214.
[48] Nasare, L.I., Opoku, S.A., Amponsah, A., et al., 2023. Effect of sand mining on riparian landcover transformation in Dallung-Kukou catchment of the White Volta Basin, Ghana. Heliyon. 9(8), e18428, doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18428.
[49] Nsor, C.A., Ashiagbor, G., Danquah, E., 2019. Quantifying recent floodplain vegetation change along the White Volta River in the northern region of Ghana. Ghana Journal of Geography. 11(1), 159-179.
[50] Nyadzi, E., Bessah, E., Kranjac-Berisavljevic, G., et al., 2021. Hydro-climatic and land use/cover changes in the Nasia catchment of the White Volta Basin in Ghana. Theor. Appl. Climatol. 146(3-4), 1297-1314.
[51] Ocloo, M.D., Huang, X.F., Fan, M., et al., 2024. Study on the spatial changes in land use and landscape patterns and their effects on ecosystem services in Ghana, West Africa. Environ. Dev. 49, 100947, doi: 10.1016/j.envdev.2023.100947.
[52] Peters, M.K., 2019. Assessing land use and land cover change in the Keta municipality of Ghana using remote sensing. MSc Thesis. Legon: University of Ghana.
[53] Rahman, M.M., Szabó, G., 2021. Impact of land use and land cover changes on urban ecosystem service value in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Land. 10(8), 793, doi: 10.3390/land10080793.
[54] Roshani, Sajjad, H., Rahaman, M.H., et al., 2024. Vulnerability assessment of forest ecosystem based on exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve, India: A geospatial analysis. Ecol. Inform. 80, 102494, doi: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2024.102494.
[55] Sati, V.P., 2024. Economic significance and environmental impacts of the Song Dam Drinking Water Project (SDDWP) in Garhwal Himalaya. Reg. Sustain. 5(2), 100145, doi: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100145.
[56] Sharma, R., Rimal, B., Baral, H., et al., 2019. Impact of land cover change on ecosystem services in a tropical forested landscape. Resources. 8(1), 18, doi: 10.3390/resources8010018.
[57] Sharma, S., Hussain, S., Singh, A.N., 2023. Impact of land use and land cover on urban ecosystem service value in Chandigarh, India: a GIS-based analysis. Journal of Urban Ecology. 9(1), 1-12.
[58] Shiferaw, H., Bewket, W., Alamirew, T., et al., 2019. Implications of land use/land cover dynamics and Prosopis invasion on ecosystem service values in Afar Region, Ethiopia. Sci. Total Environ. 675, 354-366.
[59] Shiferaw, H., Alamirew, T., Kassawmar, T., et al., 2021. Evaluating ecosystem services values due to land use transformation in the Gojeb watershed, Southwest Ethiopia. Environ. Syst. Res. 10, 22, doi: 10.1186/s40068-021-00227-3.
[60] Shrestha, B., Zhang, L.F., Sharma, S., et al., 2022. Effects on ecosystem services value due to land use and land cover change (1990-2020) in the transboundary Karnali River Basin, Central Himalayas. SN Appl. Sci. 4, 137, doi: 10.1007/s42452-022-05022-y.
[61] Sisay, G., Gitima, G., Mersha, M., et al., 2021. Assessment of land use land cover dynamics and their drivers in Bechet Watershed, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia. Remote Sens. Appl.-Soc. Environ. 24, 100648, doi: 10.1016/j.rsase.2021.100648.
[62] Tahiru, A.A., Doke, D.A., Baatuuwie, B.N., 2020. Effect of land use and land cover changes on water quality in the Nawuni Catchment of the White Volta Basin, Northern Region, Ghana. Appl. Water Sci. 10, doi: 10.1007/s13201-020-01272-6.
[63] Tan, K.C., Lim, H.S., MatJafri, M.Z., et al., 2010. Landsat data to evaluate urban expansion and determine land use/land cover changes in Penang Island, Malaysia. Environ. Earth Sci. 60(7), 1509-1521.
[64] Tengapoe, K., Baddianaah, I., Agyemang, I., 2023. Anthropogenic induced land use land cover dynamics of the Black Volta River Corridor in north-western Ghana, 2011-2021. Trees For. People. 14, 100449, doi: 10.1016/j.tfp.2023.100449.
[65] Tesfay, F., Tadesse, S.A., Getahun, Y.S., et al., 2023. Evaluating the impact of land use and land cover changes on the values of ecosystem services in the Chacha Watershed, Ethiopia’s central highland. Environ. Sustain. Indic. 18, 100256, doi: 10.1016/j.indic.2023.100256.
[66] Wang, P.J., Wang, J.W., Zhang, J.H., et al., 2022. Spatial-temporal changes in ecosystem services and social-ecological drivers in a typical coastal tourism city: A case study of Sanya, China. Ecol. Indic. 145, 109607, doi: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.109607.
[67] Wei, H.J., Zheng, J.X., Xue, D., et al., 2022. Identifying the relationship between livelihoods and land ecosystem services using a coupled model: A case study in the “One River and Two Tributaries” region of Tibet. Land. 11(9), 1377, doi: 10.3390/land11091377.
[68] Woldeyohannes, A., Cotter, M., Biru, W.D., et al., 2020. Assessing changes in ecosystem service values over 1985-2050 in response to land use and land cover dynamics in Abaya-Chamo Basin, Southern Ethiopia. Land. 9(2), 37, doi: 10.3390/land9020037.
[69] Zakari, O., Gyamfi, C., Boakye, E., et al., 2016. Spatio-Temporal Analysis of the Pattern of Land Cover Changes among the Sub-Basins in the White Volta Basin. [2024-11-17]. https://ssrn.com/abstract=4924819.
[70] Zhang, M.D., Ren, Y.T., Zhou, L., 2024. Spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and influencing factors of urban ecological resilience in the Yellow River Basin. Arid Land Geography. 47(3), 445-454 (in Chinese with English Abstract).
Options
Outlines

/

〈 〉

Authors
  • Submit Online
  • Guide for Authors
  • Submission Template
  • Author Declaration Template
  • Ethical Policy
    • Reviewers
  • Reviewers Login
  • Tutorial for Reviewers
    • Contact
  • Tel: 86-991-7827334
    E-mail: regsus@ms.xjb.ac.cn
    Address: No. 818 South Beijing Road,
                   Urumqi 830011, Xinjiang, China
    • REGSUS Wechat
    • Copyright © Editorial Office of Regional Sustainability. All Rights Reserved.
    • 新ICP备06001700号-10　 新公网安备 65010402001202号