Assessing Forest Landscape Dynamics and Its Driving Factors in Rwanda, a Case of Nyungwe National Park (1990-2024)

Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, has experienced dynamic forest landscape changes from 1990 to 2024, with net forest expansion despite localized declines. Initial growth (7.0%) between 1990 and 2000 was attributed to natural regeneration post-conflict, while grassland expanded significantly (86.7%) during post-conflict resettlement (2000–2010). A slight net forest increase (1.4%) occurred from 2010 to 2024, though urban expansion and agricultural activity posed threats. The study used multi-temporal Landsat data and GIS tools to classify land-use/land-cover (LULC) types—forestland, agriculture, grassland, wetland, aquatic bodies, and built-up areas—and analyzed drivers such as economic development, population shifts, sociopolitical instability, and climate change. Vegetation health improved overall (NDVI increase from 0.6 to 0.7), but localized declines were linked to fire, road construction, and agriculture. The research underscores the need for sustainable land-use strategies, stricter regulations, ecotourism development, and community engagement to preserve NNP's biological integrity.

Musabwa, F., & Mukeshimana, M. C. (2026). Assessing Forest Landscape Dynamics and Its Driving Factors in Rwanda, a Case of Nyungwe National Park (1990-2024). East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources, 9(2), 110–127. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajenr.9.2.4904