Authors : Louis Njie Ndumbe; Verina Ingram; Ettagbor Hans Enukwa; Fonwi Blanche-Kelly

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5bsfh3f9

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun158

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Abstract : Galmudug State in central Somalia represents a critical case for understanding dryland degradation dynamics where pastoralism, charcoal production, and climate vulnerability intersect. This study analyzes land use and land cover change (LULCC) in Galmudug between 2010 and 2022 using Landsat satellite imagery processed through supervised classification, integrated with household surveys (n=133), focus group discussions (n=3), key informant interviews (n=5), and institutional capacity assessments (n=8). Results reveal that Galmudug experienced catastrophic tree cover loss, with forest area declining from 119,687 ha (1.42% of total area) in 2010 to 16,284 ha (0.19%) in 2022, a loss of 103,403 ha at an annual deforestation rate of -18.13% . Scrub/shrub vegetation decreased from 7,718,947 ha (91.85%) to 7,231,680 ha (86.05%), a loss of 487,267 ha (-0.59% annually), while bare ground expanded from 533,502 ha (6.35%) to 1,125,620 ha (13.39%), an increase of 592,118 ha (+6.79% annually). Cultivated areas showed minimal change (0.02% of total area). Community perceptions identified tree cutting for charcoal as the primary cause of forest depletion (90% of respondents), with drought and overgrazing as contributing factors. The endangered Cordeauxia edulis (Yi'ib/Yicib shrub) was reported as having limited availability and declining populations. Over 65% of households rely on NTFPs for subsistence, with firewood and charcoal the dominant income-generating activities. Galmudug represents a "charcoal depletion" trajectory where slow-growing Acacia-Commiphora woodlands are being mined with minimal institutional capacity, the Ministry of Environment exists "only by name" with no trained staff or facilities. We recommend emergency interventions including a moratorium on charcoal production from live trees, establishment of village-level FMNR systems focused on Cordeauxia edulis, development of alternative energy sources, and major institutional capacity building.

Keywords : Land Use Land Cover Change, Deforestation, Galmudug, Somalia, Charcoal, Cordeauxia Edulis, Rangeland Degradation, NTFP.

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