Resource information
Migration and population growth lead in coastal zones, especially in developing countries like Benin in Western Africa, to extreme land use pressure, causing ecological as well as land cover and land use changes, socio-economic modifications, and conflicts of interest and generational conflicts. To detect those fast-moving processes area-wide remains almost impossible in developing countries due to the lack of official statistics, often restricted remote sensing data, and limited financial resources. Due to that lack of data, methods using representative samples and indicators are required. In order to detect and comprehend ongoing spatial processes in the coastal zone of Benin, available heterogeneous remote sensing data were analyzed and surveys were conducted. The processes of migration, agricultural dynamics, and coastal changes were identified and investigated through relevant indicators. By the use of remote sensing, the spatial expression of the complex process-structures can be detected in terms of changes, while socio-economic, demographic, and cultural analysis helps uncover and explain reasons for and settings of the observed changes. Findings such as those obtained constitute a prerequisite for coastal resources management and provide an important planning tool for decision makers.
