India, Feb. 14 -- Combination of satellite imagery and local perceptions provides valuable insights about the extent, causes and impacts of land change in communal areas

The Tyhume River, flowing from the forested Amathole Mountains in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, gives its name to a valley of 20 villages on communal land. Much of the land is being used to keep livestock, as crop production has declined over the years. This land is under the custodianship of traditional leaders .

The valley is typical of South Africa's communal land: affected by soil erosion , bush encroachment and water scarcity .

About one third (over 17 million) of South Africa's population lives on communal land , which makes up around 13% of all land in t...