Research Synopsis:
My research interests have evolved to include spatial analysis, land use, and land cover analysis, agent-based, and systems modeling especially applied in the areas of climate change and agriculture in developing countries. In my dissertation work, I aim to understand changes in the Mount Elgon (eastern Uganda and western Kenya) landscape and the impact of the change on crop yields in the region. I am using remotely sensed imagery from Landsat to perform this analysis. Field work is planned later to verify land use change results and collect data for an agent-based model. By running this model, I hope to understand major factors driving the change. A prediction model will finally be developed, and results be used by local and national authorities for more informed decision making. I believe this project will reveal invaluable information about nature-human systems interactions that is key to ensuring both livelihood improvement and the sustainability of the environment.
