Efficiency Analysis of Land Use and the Degree of Coupling Link between Population Growth and Global Built-Up Area in the Subregion of West Africa

Abstract

The main challenge for land use efficiency is population growth. Using a coupling coordination model and the Sustainable Development Goal 11.3.1 (Land Consumption Rate to Population Growth Rate, LCRPGR), the present study unravels the evolution of land use types and efficiency of land use in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from 2003 to 2019. We interpreted the temporal land use types based on the long-time series Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MCD12Q1-V6) land use images in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019. The World Bank data on population and socioeconomics were used to support the investigation on the coupled link. Our results showed that from 2003 to 2019, the total area of agricultural land decreased by −1.4%, while the built-up area expanded by 25.80%. Globally, the LCRPGR was 0.82, of which Cabo-Verdi and Niger had the highest (1.69) and lowest index (0.58), respectively. Correspondingly, the coupled coordination model indicated an overall value of 6.81, in which the highest and lowest value occurred in Liberia (29.78) and Niger (0.31), respectively. Furthermore, a rapidly growing population had become one of the most important factors causing inefficient land use in the study area. In summary, the ECOWAS was confronted with a lack of management to improve land use efficiency. Thus, future land use policies should pay more attention to balancing the coupled relationship between urban expansion and socio-economic interests.