Impacts of oil and gas production on land use land cover in unity state, South Sudan

Oil and gas extraction in South Sudan has led to significant changes in land use land cover, in Rubkona County, Unity State. These mining activities have been documented to have impacts on the environment, biodiversity, hydrological areas, agricultural areas and vegetation. This paper evaluates the impacts of oil and gas production on land use land cover, with a view to providing information for policy formulation and sustainable land management and production of oil and gas. The study uses Landsat imagery to assess changes in land use and land cover. The results show a decrease in forested areas, wetlands and water levels, while grasslands and shrublands have increased in size. The development of oil and gas infrastructure has led to deforestation, vegetation loss, habitat destruction and land degradation. The long-term environmental consequences highlight the need for sustainable and equitable land management practices and environmental protection measures.