Impact of Land Use Land Cover Change on Carbon Stocks and Forest Products-Related Livelihoods in the Central in the Central and Upper River Regions in The Gambia

Abstract

The Central and Upper River Regions (CRR and URR) of The Gambia have undergone major land use and land cover (LULC) transformations between 2002 and 2024, with projections to 2034 showing continued pressure on forested landscapes. These changes are driven largely by agricultural expansion, fuelwood extraction, and settlement growth. Using remote sensing (TerrSet CA–Markov) and the InVEST Carbon Storage and Sequestration Model, this study quantified the impacts of LULC change on carbon stocks and forest-based livelihoods. Results show significant declines in forest and woodland cover, leading to reduced carbon storage and weakened ecosystem-based livelihoods. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated land management and reforestation strategies to safeguard The Gambia’s carbon reserves and improve rural income stability.