Land Cover Changes and Conservation Effectiveness of Protected Areas: Evidence from Landlocked Developing Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa

It is evident that some existing protected areas (PAs) were established prior to the call for more effective management of PAs. This study looked at the conservation effectiveness of three selected PAs in landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) in sub-Saharan Africa prior and aher the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity (2011-2020) using spatial analysis. The results indicated Zemongo Faunal Reserve (Central African Republic) and Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Botswana) had better conservation effectiveness compared to Harar-Wabi Shebelle (Ethiopia). Although there was also human activity in the form of cropland in the three protected areas, this was limited in 2020. The exception was HararWabi Shebelle (Ethiopia). This study reiterates the need for continued effective management strategy and policy making for protected areas in sub-Saharan Africa.