Erosion sensitivity mapping in the tonkpi region (western Côte d'ivoire)

Soil erosion is at the root of serious economic, social, and environmental problems in many countries around the world. It is therefore essential to spatially evaluate its effects in order to face them and to be able to propose the best strategies of fight, conservation and planning of land. The objective of this study was to qualitatively evaluate the vulnerability of soils to water erosion through an approach based on the Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MEDALUS) model across the Tonkpi Region (Western Cote d’Ivoire). It enabled rational choices of sites where to implement anti-erosive works in priority. Coupling remote sensing and by considering relevant factors known to influence the processes of erosion, such climate, vegetation, soil, and demography, map of the sensitivity to erosion was designed. The erosion risk map obtained showed that 43% of the study area was exposed to a high vulnerability to erosion. On top, the results showed a strong influence of the vegetation quality index (65%) in the risk of erosion. This map will be a tool for decision-makers in allocating crop areas and socio-economic infrastructure sites in the region.