Land Use and Land Cover Dynamics and Ecosystem Service Valuation in South West Mau Kericho, Kenya (1995–2020)

This study analyses and quantifies the impacts of land use and and cover (LULC) on ecosystem services valuation (ESV)in south west Mau from 1990 to 2020 using satellite imagery and precipitation data. LULC have led to land use conversions which have reduced the quality of ecosystems services and their associated values. The conversion of initially gazetted forest with indigenous tree species to cropland due to agricultural expansion and illegal encroachment led to conversion of indigenous forest to cropland and grasslands creating sharp decline on forest area coverage between 1990 and 2010. The expansion of cropland area later reduced during 2010 to 2020 due improved conservation efforts and forced eviction by relevant authorities. This led to increased coverage of grassland on initially cropland fields and later increase in forest coverage. The ESV from the LULC dynamics was carried out biome specific coefficients which revealed total gain of approximately 3%in total ESV by 2020. These results projects the biodiversity, economic and ecological implications of landcover dynamics which affirms the vital role of targeted restoration with the right policy intervention.