GIS-aided land evaluation for sustainable farming systems in upper Andhikhola, Syangja, Nepal | |
| Author | Thapa, Tej Bahadur |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. NR-94-21 |
| Subject(s) | Geographic information systems Sustainable agriculture--Nepal |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. NR-94-21 |
| Abstract | The need for improved ways of using natural resources, both in developing and developed countries, is widely recognized. Many current land use systems are not sustainable as they contribute to the deterioration of the natural resource base like soil erosion, soil fertility degradation, reduced yields and so on. Resource management depends on successful integration of the biophysical and socioeconomic factors together. GIS aided land evaluation for upland and lowland were carried to understand the potential of the biophysical resources where as household survey and participatory rapid appraisal were carried to know the constraints and opportunities at the farm level. Both results from Land Evaluation and Farming System Analysis were combined to know the cause of unsustainability supplemented by secondary data. Based on above information cause and effect relationship were established to develop the indicators of sustainability. Land Evaluation results showed that Highly suitable (Sl) and Moderately suitable (S2) classes are robust i . e already under cultivation where as the Marginally suitable (S3) lands are forcely being converted to cultivable land. Farming System Analysis results indicated that yields obtained by the farmers are comparatively low which means sufficient room exist for reducing the yields' gap by effective management practices. Land fragmentation and small land holding are some other constraints in making the farming practices unsustainable in Upper Andhi Kho la area. Rugged mountain have some operational difficulties for different agricultural practices. Lack of capital resources is hindering for inputs supply and its use in agricultural production. But most of the farmers are cultivating with well terracing system. Suitability assessment based on biophysical factors are less matching rather the cultivation of crops were largely depended on the needs and choice of the farming communities. Subsistence type of farming with the conversion of marginal land into cultivable have brought negative environmental consequences too. The interrelation between population (human and livestock) and resources (agricultural, forest, grazing land) are very much crucial in sustainable farming of the area. Productive and protective measures have to be adopted to reduce the yield gap . Productive measures should serve to the immediate needs of the farming communities where as protective should aim to long term perspective . Productive measures are recommended as increasing cropping intensity, inclusion of leguminous crop in the cropping sequence, soil fertility management etc where as protectie includes terracing, bunding, cover cultivation etc. A cropping |
| Year | 1994 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. NR-94-21 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Apisit Eiumnoh; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Kaew Nualchawee ;Upasena, Selawa H.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of Austria; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1994 |