Abstract

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.

摘要

自然资源的可持续管理需要对土地利用和土地覆盖变化以及这些变化如何影响自然资源和农村生计有重要的了解。本研究考察了 LULC 变化对马拉维中部自然资源和农村生计的影响。该研究采用了一种综合方法，将遥感、由结构化和半结构化问卷组成的家庭调查、焦点小组讨论和关键知情人访谈相结合。当地社区认为 LULC 变化导致农业用地 (57.3%)、作物产量 (82.8%) 和森林覆盖率 (87.4%) 下降。针对观察到的 LULC 变化，受访者部署了短期应对策略，例如寻求计件工作机会以及储蓄和信贷的使用。该研究提供的证据表明，LULC 的变化导致自然资源的重大损失，对 Dedza 的农村生计造成严重后果。该研究有助于更好地了解马拉维复杂的人与环境相互作用。