Anthropogenic Geomorphology of the Magoye Riverine Landscape, Zambia

Aims: This study sought to investigate the role of humans in modification and creation of landforms in river channels with specific focus on the Magoye River. The objectives of this study were to: document geomorphic characteristics of Magoye River, assess anthropogenic activities and landuse/cover change in the buffer zone and, examine key anthropogenic river landforms.

Study Design: This study was inspired by analytic eclecticism research philosophy and adopted mixed methods, particularly concurrent research design.

Methodology: The landcover images were analysed using image processing tools in ArcGIS 10.4 for the periods 1990, 2005 and 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to quantitatively visualize the changes in land cover/use. The data was collected using field observation, photography, GPS and a Likert scale tool and, analysed using descriptive statistics, specifically frequency graphs showing mean and standard deviation.

Results: The results showed that sand mining and brick moulding accounted for almost 68% of human activities in the 11.48 km2 delineated buffer zone by 2020, compared to 35% in 1990. These punctuated creation of sand conical heaps, stone bunds, pot holes and pools, shallow wells on the river bed, gullies induced by water accessed points, which weakened river banks. Generally, sand mining and brick moulding were the most severe in the buffer zone and they created wide range of deformations riverbanks and beds. The findings further revealed that Magoye River had geomorphologically evolved into Reservoir River covering 80% on the upstream (139.4km) and Sand Bank River accounting 20% on downstream (27.6 km).

Conclusion: The study concludes that, the catchment and buffer zone have undergone degradation propelled by anthropogenic activities, which have punctuated channel morphological degradation. Although the Magoye River channel was highly damaged, it was not beyond regeneration if restoration measures, were collaboratively identified and implemented with the local communities.