Description

Abstract: Understanding the spatial distribution of a population across a landscape is important in land use planning. In developing nations, where resources are limited, such information can facilitate more efficient decision-making and resource allocations. This brief examines three methods for better understanding the distribution of human population within a natural boundary based on available census data: simple areal weighting, binary dasymetric mapping, and global regression. The study area is a rapidly changing watershed located in Kenya’s Rift Valley. Variation in population estimates (ranging from 59,000 to over 150,000) resulting from different interpolation techniques underscores the importance of developing additional methods for spatially distributing population for improved land management. Census data alone are not sufficient to accomplish this task. Results indicated that appropriate methods for determining the correct spatial distribution of human population are essential and would be beneficial in land use management to better serve those most affected by the decisions. More specific to the Nakuru district, this knowledge will allow land managers to target areas for conservation measures where people are actually living. It also allows managers to discover areas where access to ecological services may be more diminished due to population pressure and puts the focus towards resource allocation solutions in areas where it is most needed.