Using the Google Earth Engine cloud-computing platform to assess the long-term spatial temporal dynamics of land use and land cover within the Letaba watershed, South Africa

Population growth and environmental shifts have elevated the pressure on land use and cover (LULC), necessitating vital management and adaptive strategies to preserve the balance between ecosystem services and human well-being in watersheds. It's pivotal to understand the implications of human-induced shifts from natural to human-dominated surroundings This study utilized Google Earth Engine (GEE) to analyze 31 years of LULC changes in Letaba watershed. Using GEE's random forest, LULC classes were mapped with 93% to 99% accuracy across four timeframes (1990, 2000, 2010, and 2021). Trends revealed declining water bodies (-4%), bare surfaces (-2%), natural forest (-3%), and grassland (-3%), while shrublands, plantations, and built-up areas increased at annual rates of 41%, 24%, and 47% respectively. This transformation reflects population-driven shifts, necessitating adaptive strategies. Given the importance of plantations for income, embracing climate-smart agriculture could ensure long-term food and environmental security, thus addressing the evolving dynamics in Letaba watershed.

Automated summary

Population growth and environmental shifts have increased the pressure on land use and cover (LULC), requiring crucial management and adaptive strategies to preserve the balance between ecosystem services and human well-being in watersheds. This study used Google Earth Engine (GEE) to analyze 31 years of LULC changes in Letaba watershed, mapping LULC classes with high accuracy across four timeframes. The trends revealed population-driven shifts, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies and the importance of embracing climate-smart agriculture for long-term food and environmental security in Letaba watershed.