The Use of Remote Sensing Techniques in Assessing the Distribution Trends of Commiphora Myrrha in Wajir County, Kenya

Abstract

A study was conducted to establish the current trend in distribution of Commiphora myrrha in its natural stands in Wajir County. Data was collected through observation, interviews and questionnaires, photographs (remote sensing images) using a Global Positioning System (GPS) to to mark the plant's hot spots and locate the tree stand coordinates. A supervised classification of Land Sat images acquired in 2003, 2009 and 2011 was undetaken. The results show that C. myrrha covers an average area of 61,620.23Ha. The area under C. myrrha had declined between 2009 and 2011 and this could be attributed to human and environmental factors. It is therefore recommended that sustainable management and conservation strategies be adopted to ensure imprived tree cover.