Geospatial analysis of soil erosion and implications for sustainable development goals in tropical ecological zones

This study employs geospatial tools to examine erosion dynamics and its impact on sustainable development goals (SDGs). Landsat images of 30-m resolution from USGS, soil survey data from the field and FAO, and rainfall data obtained from Global Climatological Data were used in the study. Using rainfall-runoff, soil erodibility, steepness of slope, cover-management, and support practice, the study applied the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model to estimate soil loss and map erosion-prone areas. The C-factor map revealed that open forest covers more significant parts (41.3%) of the study area, followed by grassland, shrub/tree, and built-up areas with 17.4%, 11.1%, and 10.7%, respectively. A total of 112 erosion sites were identified on the map and verified with GPS receivers. The estimated soil loss ranged between 0 and 38.73 t ha−1yr−1, with the very high (2.29–3.52 t ha-1yr-1) and most severe (3.52–38.73 t ha-1yr-1) classes significantly concentrated in areas with steep slopes and forest conversion. The low number of soil erosion sites observed in the south was associated with the closed forest, water bodies, gentle slope, and soil type (Cp), which is high in clay content (67.7%), making it less susceptible to erosion. The study highlights the interconnectedness of erosion with several SDGs, including Zero Hunger, Climate Action, Clean Water and Sanitation, Life on Land, Sustainable Cities and Communities.