IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v10y2018i7p2331-d156415.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Social Impact of Farmland Abandonment and Its Eco-Environmental Vulnerability in the High Mountain Region of Nepal: A Case Study of Dordi River Basin

Author

Listed:
  • Suresh Chaudhary

    (Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing 100049, China
    Wanzhou Key Regional Ecology and Environment Monitoring Station of Three Gorges Project Ecological Environmental Monitoring System, Wanzhou 404020, China
    National Society for Earthquake Technology-Nepal, Kathmandu Lalitpur, Po. Box 13667, Nepal)

  • Yukuan Wang

    (Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
    Wanzhou Key Regional Ecology and Environment Monitoring Station of Three Gorges Project Ecological Environmental Monitoring System, Wanzhou 404020, China)

  • Narendra Raj Khanal

    (Central Department of Geography, Tribhuvan University, University Campus, Kirtipur, Po. Box 44613 Nepal)

  • Pei Xu

    (Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
    Wanzhou Key Regional Ecology and Environment Monitoring Station of Three Gorges Project Ecological Environmental Monitoring System, Wanzhou 404020, China)

  • Bin Fu

    (Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
    Wanzhou Key Regional Ecology and Environment Monitoring Station of Three Gorges Project Ecological Environmental Monitoring System, Wanzhou 404020, China)

  • Amod Mani Dixit

    (National Society for Earthquake Technology-Nepal, Kathmandu Lalitpur, Po. Box 13667, Nepal)

  • Kun Yan

    (Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
    Wanzhou Key Regional Ecology and Environment Monitoring Station of Three Gorges Project Ecological Environmental Monitoring System, Wanzhou 404020, China)

  • Qin Liu

    (Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
    Wanzhou Key Regional Ecology and Environment Monitoring Station of Three Gorges Project Ecological Environmental Monitoring System, Wanzhou 404020, China)

  • Yafeng Lu

    (Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
    Wanzhou Key Regional Ecology and Environment Monitoring Station of Three Gorges Project Ecological Environmental Monitoring System, Wanzhou 404020, China)

Abstract

The abandonment of farmland is a phenomenon that shows the deterioration of the physical and social landscape. It is widespread across the mountainous region of Nepal and is expected to further increase in the future. The aim of this study is to: (i) determine the driving factors of farmland abandonment; (ii) discuss its impact on social systems in terms of social networks, relations, practices; and (iii) assess the eco-environmental vulnerability of abandoned farmlands in the high mountain region of Nepal. The authors apply household surveys, focus group discussions and in-depth key informant interviews to visualize the social landscape and changes therein, thus establishing an existing history of mountain societies, social systems and management practices. Moreover, Google Earth Images and Low Height Remote Sensing Survey (UAV) are also used to observe geomorphic processes and the modification of the abandoned farmland and its characteristics. The Multivariate Linear Regression (MLR) model is run using SPSS revealing eight variables; mountain road accessibility, farm distance from residence, household size, household head age, landowner’s living place, ownership of farmland, salary and business and remittances are major factors determining the process of farmland abandonment in the region. Farmers’ social practices such as (i) an indigenous labor exchange system “Parma,” (ii) a traditionally managed irrigation system, (iii) a drinking water supply system, (iv) social practices, rituals, festive events, (v) an indigenous governance system, practices and some existing infrastructures (schools, banks, health, post, temples and more) are going to disappear as a process of abandonment. The decline in individual as well as social participation in land management practices have increased exotic vegetation and soil loss processes, modifying the physical characteristics of abandoned farmlands. Thus, this knowledge is vital for understanding appropriate social processes, natural resources and environmental management.

Suggested Citation

  • Suresh Chaudhary & Yukuan Wang & Narendra Raj Khanal & Pei Xu & Bin Fu & Amod Mani Dixit & Kun Yan & Qin Liu & Yafeng Lu, 2018. "Social Impact of Farmland Abandonment and Its Eco-Environmental Vulnerability in the High Mountain Region of Nepal: A Case Study of Dordi River Basin," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:7:p:2331-:d:156415
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/10/7/2331/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/10/7/2331/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. David Groenfeldt, 1991. "Building on tradition: Indigenous irrigation knowledge and sustainable development in Asia," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 8(1), pages 114-120, December.
    2. Pradhan, P. & Yoder, R., 1990. "Irrigation development: The management and use of irrigation in the mountains of Nepal," IWMI Books, Reports H006604, International Water Management Institute.
    3. Jessica Mercer, 2010. "Disaster risk reduction or climate change adaptation: Are we reinventing the wheel?," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 22(2), pages 247-264.
    4. Dino Genovese & Francesca Culasso & Elisa Giacosa & Luca Maria Battaglini, 2017. "Can Livestock Farming and Tourism Coexist in Mountain Regions? A New Business Model for Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(11), pages 1-21, November.
    5. Prishchepov, Alexander V. & Radeloff, Volker C. & Müller, Daniel & Dubinin, Maxim & Baumann, Matthias, 2011. "Determinants of agricultural land abandonment in post-soviet European Russia," IAMO Forum 2011: Will the "BRICs Decade" Continue? – Prospects for Trade and Growth 1, Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Central and Eastern Europe (IAMO).
    6. Nguyen, Trung Thanh & Nguyen, Loc Duc & Lippe, Rattiya Suddeephong & Grote, Ulrike, 2017. "Determinants of Farmers’ Land Use Decision-Making: Comparative Evidence From Thailand and Vietnam," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 199-213.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Suresh Chaudhary & Yukuan Wang & Amod Mani Dixit & Narendra Raj Khanal & Pei Xu & Bin Fu & Kun Yan & Qin Liu & Yafeng Lu & Ming Li, 2019. "Spatiotemporal Degradation of Abandoned Farmland and Associated Eco-Environmental Risks in the High Mountains of the Nepalese Himalayas," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(1), pages 1-19, December.
    2. Elisa Baraibar-Diez & Manuel Luna & María D. Odriozola & Ignacio Llorente, 2020. "Mapping Social Impact: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-20, November.
    3. Stéphanie Jaquet & Thomas Kohler & Gudrun Schwilch, 2019. "Labour Migration in the Middle Hills of Nepal: Consequences on Land Management Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-19, March.
    4. Ojha, Roshan Babu & Atreya, Kishor & Kristiansen, Paul & Devkota, Deepa & Wilson, Brian, 2022. "A systematic review and gap analysis of drivers, impacts, and restoration options for abandoned croplands in Nepal," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    5. Subedi, Yuba Raj & Kristiansen, Paul & Cacho, Oscar, 2022. "Reutilising abandoned cropland in the Hill agroecological region of Nepal: Options and farmers’ preferences," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
    6. Raju Rai & Yili Zhang & Basanta Paudel & Narendra Raj Khanal, 2019. "Status of Farmland Abandonment and Its Determinants in the Transboundary Gandaki River Basin," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(19), pages 1-18, September.
    7. Suresh Chaudhary & Yukuan Wang & Amod Mani Dixit & Narendra Raj Khanal & Pei Xu & Kun Yan & Qin Liu & Yafeng Lu & Ming Li, 2019. "Eco-Environmental Risk Evaluation for Land Use Planning in Areas of Potential Farmland Abandonment in the High Mountains of Nepal Himalayas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-20, December.
    8. Xuan Luo & Zhaomin Tong & Yifan Xie & Rui An & Zhaochen Yang & Yanfang Liu, 2022. "Land Use Change under Population Migration and Its Implications for Human–Land Relationship," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-22, June.
    9. Bo Liu & Wei Song & Qian Sun, 2022. "Status, Trend, and Prospect of Global Farmland Abandonment Research: A Bibliometric Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-30, November.
    10. Muñoz-Rios, Luis Alejandro & Vargas-Villegas, Jair & Suarez, Andres, 2020. "Local perceptions about rural abandonment drivers in the Colombian coffee region: Insights from the city of Manizales," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    11. Suresh Chaudhary & Yukuan Wang & Amod Mani Dixit & Narendra Raj Khanal & Pei Xu & Bin Fu & Kun Yan & Qin Liu & Yafeng Lu & Ming Li, 2020. "A Synopsis of Farmland Abandonment and Its Driving Factors in Nepal," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-22, March.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Suresh Chaudhary & Yukuan Wang & Amod Mani Dixit & Narendra Raj Khanal & Pei Xu & Bin Fu & Kun Yan & Qin Liu & Yafeng Lu & Ming Li, 2020. "A Synopsis of Farmland Abandonment and Its Driving Factors in Nepal," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-22, March.
    2. Do, Manh Hung & Nguyen, Trung Thanh & Grote, Ulrike, 2023. "Land consolidation, rice production, and agricultural transformation: Evidence from household panel data for Vietnam," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 157-173.
    3. J.C. Gaillard, 2010. "Vulnerability, capacity and resilience: Perspectives for climate and development policy," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 22(2), pages 218-232.
    4. Rosanna Salvia & Rares Halbac-Cotoara-Zamfir & Sirio Cividino & Luca Salvati & Giovanni Quaranta, 2020. "From Rural Spaces to Peri-Urban Districts: Metropolitan Growth, Sparse Settlements and Demographic Dynamics in a Mediterranean Region," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-20, June.
    5. Wójcik - Leń, Justyna & Postek, Paweł & Stręk, Żanna & Leń, Przemysław, 2020. "Proposed algorithm for the identification of land for consolidation with regard to spatial variability of soil quality," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    6. Jean Charles Hourcade & Michel Aglietta & Baptiste Perrissin-Fabert, 2014. "Transition to a Low-Carbon society and sustainable economic recovery, a monetary-based financial device," Post-Print hal-01692593, HAL.
    7. Xin Deng & Dingde Xu & Miao Zeng & Yanbin Qi, 2018. "Landslides and Cropland Abandonment in China’s Mountainous Areas: Spatial Distribution, Empirical Analysis and Policy Implications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-14, October.
    8. Nguyen, Trung Thanh & Nghiem, Nhung, 2016. "Optimal forest rotation for carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation by farm income levels," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 185-194.
    9. Lecegui, Antonio & Olaizola, Ana María & López-i-Gelats, Feliu & Varela, Elsa, 2022. "Implementing the livelihood resilience framework: An indicator-based model for assessing mountain pastoral farming systems," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    10. Mai, Nhat Chi, 2022. "Socioeconomic effects of collectivist and individualist education: A comparison between North and South Vietnam," OSF Preprints n9pyw, Center for Open Science.
    11. Zhonglei Yu & Lei Liu & Hua Zhang & Jinshe Liang, 2017. "Exploring the Factors Driving Seasonal Farmland Abandonment: A Case Study at the Regional Level in Hunan Province, Central China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-18, January.
    12. Dinh, Hoang Huu & Nguyen, Trung Thanh & Hoang, Viet-Ngu & Wilson, Clevo, 2017. "Economic incentive and factors affecting tree planting of rural households: Evidence from the Central Highlands of Vietnam," Journal of Forest Economics, Elsevier, vol. 29(PA), pages 14-24.
    13. Rebecca Montrasio & Silvana Mattiello & Martina Zucaro & Dino Genovese & Luca Battaglini, 2020. "The Perception of Ecosystem Services of Mountain Farming and of a Local Cheese: An Analysis for the Touristic Valorization of an Inner Alpine Area," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-17, September.
    14. Yuquan W. Zhang & Jianhong E. Mu & Mark Musumba & Bruce A. McCarl & Xiaokun Gu & Yuanfei Zhou & Zhengwei Cao & Qiang Li, 2018. "The Role of Climate Factors in Shaping China’s Crop Mix: An Empirical Exploration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-17, October.
    15. Nguyen, Trung Thanh & Nguyen, Thanh-Tung & Hoang, Viet-Ngu & Wilson, Clevo & Managi, Shunsuke, 2019. "Energy transition, poverty and inequality in Vietnam," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 536-548.
    16. Wei Wei & Yuanjun Zhu & Hao Li & Kebin Zhang & Baitian Wang & Xiaohui Yang & Zhongjie Shi, 2018. "Spatio-Temporal Reorganization of Cropland Development in Central Asia during the Post-Soviet Era: A Sustainable Implication in Kazakhstan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-20, November.
    17. Xiaoqing Zhao & Junwei Pu & Xingyou Wang & Junxu Chen & Liang Emlyn Yang & Zexian Gu, 2018. "Land-Use Spatio-Temporal Change and Its Driving Factors in an Artificial Forest Area in Southwest China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-19, November.
    18. Takahiro Tsuge & Yasushi Shoji & Koichi Kuriyama & Ayumi Onuma, 2022. "Using a Choice Experiment to Understand Preferences for Disaster Risk Reduction with Uncertainty: A Case Study in Japan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-17, April.
    19. Rike Stotten & Michaela Maurer & Hannes Herrmann & Markus Schermer, 2019. "Different Forms of Accommodation in Agritourism: The Role of Decoupled Farmer-Based Accommodation in the Ötztal Valley (Austria)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-27, May.
    20. Nguyen, Trung Thanh & Nguyen, Thanh-Tung & Hoang, Viet-Ngu & Wilson, Clevo, 2019. "Energy transition, poverty and inequality: panel evidence from Vietnam," MPRA Paper 107182, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 10 May 2019.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:7:p:2331-:d:156415. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.