Assessment of Land Cover Changes and an Exploration of Their Key Factors at Al-Ahsa Oasis in Saudi Arabia

The objective of this research is to investigate land cover changes (LCC) and their key factors that influence their likelihood of occurrence in Al-Ahsa Oasis between 2000 and 2020. A two-stage methodology was employed, first estimating the LCC level using GIS and ENVI on digital data gathered from satellites visualizations (LANDSAT), and then calculating the LCC occurrence variables using a binary logistic model (BLM) based on data from 105 surveyed farmers. The major findings reveal a decline in the vegetation area by 324.35 ha and in the desert area by 1625.81 ha, while the areas of bare ground and the city have increased by 1389.79 ha and 560.37 ha, respectively. According to the BLM findings, climate change, increasing farmers' ages in categories (2), (3), and (4), and small holding size raised the likelihood of LCC occurrence, with odds superior than 1. Whereas, the use of modern method of irrigation, the use of modern technology, and the availability of scavenger manpower in the oasis negatively impacted the LCC occurrence. Their odds ratios are inferior than1. The urban sprawl had a non-significant negative effect. To preserve the Oasis agricultural identity, the researchers advocate for awareness and extension efforts directed at the elderly, traditional production practices, and large-scale producers, and fighting against climate change effects