The impacts of land use and land cover dynamics on natural resources and rural livelihoods in Dedza District, Malawi

KURT KOÇER E., Davis N., Adeola A. M., Botai J. O.

GEOCARTO INTERNATIONAL, cilt.37, sa.6, ss.1529-1546, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 37 Sayı: 6
  • Basım Tarihi: 2022
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/10106049.2020.1791978
  • Dergi Adı: GEOCARTO INTERNATIONAL
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Environment Index, Geobase, INSPEC
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1529-1546
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Word, LULC cover, livelihoods, local perceptions, coping strategies, shocks, CLIMATE-CHANGE, LANDSCAPE, COMMUNITY, FRAGMENTATION, CONSERVATION, PERCEPTION, CATCHMENT, SERVICES, DRIVERS, FOREST
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

Özet

The sustainable management of natural resources requires critical understanding of land use and land cover changes and how these changes impact natural resources and rural livelihoods. This study examined the impacts of LULC changes on natural resources and rural livelihoods of Central Malawi. The study used an integrated approach combining remote sensing, household surveys consisting of structured and semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Local communities perceived that LULC changes have resulted in the decline of agricultural land (57.3%), crop production (82.8%) and forest cover (87.4%) In response to observed LULC changes, respondents deployed short-term coping strategies such as seeking piecework opportunities and the use of savings and credits. The study has provided evidence that LULC changes have led to significant losses in natural resources, with serious consequences for rural livelihoods in Dedza. The study has contributed to better understanding of the complicated human-environment interaction in Malawi.