EVALUATING REMOTE SENSING-BASED DROUGHT INDICES: STRENGTHS, LIMITATIONS, AND APPLICABILITY ACROSS SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA'S AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES: A REVIEW

Authors

Keywords:

Drought monitoring, Remote sensing indices, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Vegetation health, Soil moisture

Abstract

This study reviews the application and effectiveness of various remote sensing (RS) indices for drought monitoring in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Given the region’s diverse climatic zones and frequent drought occurrences, accurate and timely assessment tools are crucial. The study examines indices from different spectral regions, including optical, thermal infrared, and microwave bands, focusing on their spatial and temporal resolutions, data availability, strengths, and limitations. Optical indices such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) are effective in semi-arid and sub-humid zones where vegetation density varies. Thermal infrared indices, including the Temperature Condition Index (TCI), the Vegetation Health Index (VHI), and the Temperature Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI), provide insights into thermal anomalies and vegetation health, with TCI particularly suited for semi-arid zones and TVDI useful in both semi-arid and sub-humid zones. Microwave indices, such as the Normalized Backscatter Moisture Index (NBMI), Vegetation Optical Depth (VOD), and the Microwave Polarization Difference Index (MPDI), excel in capturing soil moisture and vegetation water content, proving useful in humid forest and semi-arid zones. The integration of these indices with other meteorological and hydrological data enhances drought monitoring and management strategies. Recommendations are made for the optimal use of these indices across different SSA agroecological zones.

Dimensions

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Published

24-08-2024

How to Cite

EVALUATING REMOTE SENSING-BASED DROUGHT INDICES: STRENGTHS, LIMITATIONS, AND APPLICABILITY ACROSS SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA’S AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES: A REVIEW. (2024). FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES, 8(4), 199-209. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2024-0804-2681

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 4 (2024): FUDMA Journal of Sciences - Vol. 8 No. 4

Section

Research Articles
Copyright & Licensing

FUDMA Journal of Sciences

How to Cite

EVALUATING REMOTE SENSING-BASED DROUGHT INDICES: STRENGTHS, LIMITATIONS, AND APPLICABILITY ACROSS SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA’S AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES: A REVIEW. (2024). FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES, 8(4), 199-209. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2024-0804-2681

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