Harmonization of regional land use/land cover classification systems

Mapping land use and land cover is not new to the region.   Over the years, a variety of classification systems and methodologies have been employed.  The rapid growth in the availability of high resolution multi-spectral satellite imagery and advances in computation capacity.   This growth in science and technology has not necessarily been matched by a clear understanding of the decision-making context in which the science may be applied.  Many LU/LC efforts have not been designed and deployed with the input of decision-makers at the outset.  Scientists and the technical community who analyse land use and land cover bemoan the lack of understanding and the uptake of their products. Multiple classification systems are being applied throughout West Africa for a variety of different needs and at different scales of resolution.  These systems often are not interoperable nor consistent across national boundaries.  In spite of regularly articulated demand, no single classification system has been adopted across West Africa and is not likely to happen soon, and a means for cross-referencing these systems has not been developed.  This has resulted in the inability to aggregate data across the region for national and regional reporting.  It has also resulted in difficulties of increasing the scale to address local needs.