Assessing current and future rangeland resources using remote sensing in Vhembe district, South Africa

In the Vhembe Biosphere and its surroundings, the problem of natural resource change and biodiversity loss has become an urgent issue. The region is highly dependent on biodiversity resources to meet basic needs for fuelwood, building materials and livestock feed. However, these resources are threatened by ongoing land degradation. Traditional methods of data collection like direct and indirect personal interviews, using questionnaire or an interpreter have proven time-consuming and cumbersome. To address these challenges, this study explores the potential of remote sensing technology to identify key indicators of natural resources, including vegetation cover (i.e., trees, grasses, and shrubs). This study aimed to assess the condition and changes of natural resources in the Vhembe Biosphere and its immediate surroundings. Understanding these changes is crucial in biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management. We investigated the factors driving these changes, particularly those related to vegetation cover, a critical factor for ecosystem change or biodiversity loss in Vhembe Biosphere region. Socio-economic factors influence on biodiversity loss were investigated together with the complicated interplay between socio-economic conditions and environmental factors about biodiversity loss. The study used quantitative research approach to achieve its objectives. A comprehensive analysis of South Africa's national land cover dataset, compiled from multi-year Landsat-5 and Sentinel-2 imagery, served as the central data for assessing changes in natural resources. In addition, a detailed investigation of the factors responsible for these changes was carried out using generalized linear models to identify the most critical factors contributing to vegetation cover change. Socio-economic parameters such as education, employment and income levels were studied to understand their impact on biodiversity loss in the Vhembe Biosphere. Finally the study investigated the dynamic relationship between socio-economic factors and environmental variables and their role in biodiversity loss. The study revealed the complex relationship between human activities and natural factors in shaping changes in natural resources. The results showed that land use activities, especially bush encroachment, directly threaten natural resource change. At the same time, climate variables were found to be a significant driver exacerbating these changes, further highlighting the complicated interplay between human activities and environmental influences. In addition, the educational level of the population had a significant impact on biodiversity, highlighting the need for conservation education and outreach to curb the exploitation of biodiversity resources. The findings underscore the need for a multidisciplinary approach to biodiversity loss that includes scientific measures to reduce the negative impacts of human activities and natural forces. In particular, we highlighted the importance of strategies to mitigate and adapt to unpredictable patterns of climate change. Awareness raising and conservation education in communities around the Vhembe Biosphere were identified as critical elements in promoting positive conservation values and behaviour. In addition, the sharing of indigenous and local knowledge together with scientific knowledge was seen as an effective approach to addressing the challenges of biodiversity loss and developing effective climate change mitigation strategies. This study has explored the complexity of natural resource changes and causes of biodiversity loss in the Vhembe Biosphere and surrounding areas. It has highlighted the interplay of human activities and environmental factors as the main drivers of natural resource change, emphasizing the role of land use and climate change. It has also highlighted the significant influence of education and socio-economic conditions on biodiversity. These findings highlight the multidimensional nature of biodiversity loss and its causes and underscore the need for comprehensive and integrative strategies to address this problem. The study makes several recommendations for dealing with biodiversity loss in the region. First and foremost, we suggest that scientific measures like environmental education and awareness, conservation and restoration, sustainable resource management, and climate change mitigation be taken to mitigate the impact of human activities and environmental factors on natural resources. Strategies to adapt to unpredictable climate change should be developed and implemented. Promoting education and awareness of surrounding communities on biodiversity conservation is crucial to promote positive values and behaviour. Promoting the sharing of indigenous and local knowledge together with scientific knowledge can enhance the diversity of perspectives and integrated approaches to addressing the challenges of biodiversity loss and developing effective mitigation strategies. This study serves as a foundation for future research on biodiversity loss and its management in Vhembe biosphere and similar regions. Further studies could explore a more comprehensive examination of the interactions between human activities and biodiversity, as well as innovative conservation strategies specific to the Vhembe Biosphere and similar regions.