Land Cover Transformation and Population Growth: Impacts on the Coastal Environment of the Gambia (1990–2020)

The coastal zone of The Gambia, which contributes 36% to the country’s GDP, has experienced considerable transformation due to increased socioeconomic development and urbanization. This growth has significantly altered the coastal landscape, intensifying pressure on the environment and increasing vulnerability to climate hazards. A study assessing land cover changes and population growth used cloud-free Landsat imagery from 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020. The analysis classified land cover into five categories: barren land, built-up areas, vegetation cover, water bodies, and wetlands. The findings highlighted dramatic changes in land cover over the past three decades. Barren land increased by 46%, and built-up areas surged by 680%. In contrast, vegetation cover decreased by 35%, water bodies by 31%, and wetlands by 14%. These transformations correlate with rising population densities along the coastline, particularly within 10-25 km of the shore. The substantial growth in built-up areas and reduction in vegetation are directly linked to urbanization and population pressure. This rapid change exacerbates the vulnerability of coastal communities to climate-related hazards such as flooding and tropical windstorms. To address these challenges, it is crucial for the government and stakeholders to implement policies that manage coastal congestion and encourage development in inland regions. Such measures should consider the impacts of population growth on coastal environments and aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of The Gambia’s coastal ecosystems by mitigating risks associated with climate change.