Vegetation cover changes in the eastern and upper west regions of Ghana

Given the importance of vegetation cover in reducing global warming and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people who depend directly on ecosystem services, the rapid rate of land cover change has been the focus of much environmental concern. This chapter employs geographic information systems techniques to identify and quantify the rate and changes of the green cover in Eastern and Upper West regions of Ghana. It also draws on a political ecologist perspective in the analysis of qualitative data collected in the study areas. The findings indicate that the study regions have experienced rapid vegetation cover loss, caused by a multiplicity of factors including demographic pressures, inappropriate government policies, poverty, and unsustainable farming methods and economic activities.