The Experts below are selected from a list of 7305 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Ole Mertz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Transformation of Shifting Cultivation: Extent, driving forces and impacts on livelihoods in Tanzania
Applied Geography, 2018Co-Authors: Charles J. Kilawe, Ole Mertz, Torben Birch-thomsen, D A Silayo, S.m. MaliondoAbstract:Abstract Shifting Cultivation is in rapid transformation in many parts of the Global South, but the drivers and consequences of these changes are still not well understood, especially in Africa. We therefore analysed the drivers of this transformation and its impacts on livelihoods between 1995 and 2014 in two villages located in Eastern Central Tanzania by combining analysis of socio-economic and remote sensing data. Results revealed that in an upland village, the number of Shifting cultivators declined from 34% to 16% and the area changed from 19% to 17%. In a plateau village, the number of Shifting cultivators declined from 24% to 18% and the area substantially declined from 23% to 14%. In both villages, Shifting cultivators adopted intensive land preparation methods that involved deep tillage and burying of vegetation. Transformation of Shifting Cultivation in the upland area was driven by adoption and enforcement of land tenure policies that restrict Shifting Cultivation whereas in the plateau area, it was driven by population pressure causing competition for land between Shifting cultivators and pastoralists. In both villages transformation of Shifting Cultivation negatively affected household income and increased periods of food insecurity.
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A global view of Shifting Cultivation: Recent, current, and future extent
PloS one, 2017Co-Authors: Andrew Heinimann, Kaspar Hurni, Ole Mertz, Stephen E. Frolking, Andreas Egelund Christensen, Fernando Sedano, Louise Chini, Ritvik Sahajpal, Matthew C. Hansen, George C. HurttAbstract:Mosaic landscapes under Shifting Cultivation, with their dynamic mix of managed and natural land covers, often fall through the cracks in remote sensing-based land cover and land use classifications, as these are unable to adequately capture such landscapes' dynamic nature and complex spectral and spatial signatures. But information about such landscapes is urgently needed to improve the outcomes of global earth system modelling and large-scale carbon and greenhouse gas accounting. This study combines existing global Landsat-based deforestation data covering the years 2000 to 2014 with very high-resolution satellite imagery to visually detect the specific spatio-temporal pattern of Shifting Cultivation at a one-degree cell resolution worldwide. The accuracy levels of our classification were high with an overall accuracy above 87%. We estimate the current global extent of Shifting Cultivation and compare it to other current global mapping endeavors as well as results of literature searches. Based on an expert survey, we make a first attempt at estimating past trends as well as possible future trends in the global distribution of Shifting Cultivation until the end of the 21st century. With 62% of the investigated one-degree cells in the humid and sub-humid tropics currently showing signs of Shifting Cultivation-the majority in the Americas (41%) and Africa (37%)-this form of Cultivation remains widespread, and it would be wrong to speak of its general global demise in the last decades. We estimate that Shifting Cultivation landscapes currently cover roughly 280 million hectares worldwide, including both cultivated fields and fallows. While only an approximation, this estimate is clearly smaller than the areas mentioned in the literature which range up to 1,000 million hectares. Based on our expert survey and historical trends we estimate a possible strong decrease in Shifting Cultivation over the next decades, raising issues of livelihood security and resilience among people currently depending on Shifting Cultivation.
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Shifting Cultivation stability and change: Contrasting pathways of land use and livelihood change in Laos
Applied Geography, 2014Co-Authors: Thoumthone Vongvisouk, Andreas Heinimann, Ole Mertz, Sithong Thongmanivong, Khamla PhanvilayAbstract:Rural areas in Laos are experiencing a rapid transformation from traditional rice-based Shifting Cultivation systems to more permanent and diversified market-oriented Cultivation systems. The consequences of these changes for local livelihoods are not well known. This study analyzes the impact of Shifting Cultivation change on the livelihood of rural people in six villages in three districts of northern and central Laos. Focus group discussions and household interview questionnaires were employed for data collection. The study reveals that the Shifting Cultivation of rice is still important in these communities, but it is being intensified as cash crops are introduced. Changes in Shifting Cultivation during the past ten years vary greatly between the communities studied. In the northern study sites, it is decreasing in areas with rubber expansion and increasing in areas with maize expansion, while it is stable in the central site, where sugarcane is an important cash crop. The impacts of land use change on livelihoods are also diverse. Cash crop producers hold more agricultural land than non-cash crop producers, and rubber and sugarcane producers have fewer rice shortages than non-producers. In the future, livelihood improvements in the central study site may be replicated in the northern sites, but this depends to a large extent on the economic and agricultural settings into which cash crops and other development opportunities are introduced. Moreover, the expansion of cash crops appears to counteract Lao policies aimed at replacing Shifting Cultivation areas with forests.
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Changes in Shifting Cultivation systems on small Pacific islands
The Geographical Journal, 2011Co-Authors: Ole Mertz, Torben Birch-thomsen, Bo Elberling, Sabrina G S A Rothausen, Thilde Bech Bruun, Anette Reenberg, Bjarne Fog, Ronja M R Egsmose, Henrik Breuning-madsenAbstract:The limited information on change in Shifting Cultivation systems of small islands of the Pacific stands in contrast to increasing evidence of this farming system's demise in other parts of the tropics. Here, we assess changes in agricultural activities during the past 40 years of Bellona Island, Solomon Islands, where Shifting Cultivation is still maintained in the traditional way. Fallow length has increased despite population growth due to redistribution of the cultivated area, migration-induced extensification and changes in crops. Productivity of the farming system remains high although there are indications of soil degradation in the centre of the island. However, there are no signs that the traditional Shifting Cultivation system in Bellona may become unsustainable in the near future and extreme land use transformations seen in other Pacific islands are not found here.
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Trends in Shifting Cultivation and the REDD mechanism
Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 2009Co-Authors: Ole MertzAbstract:In many parts of the forest-agriculture frontiers of the tropics, particularly in Southeast Asia, Shifting Cultivation is rapidly being transformed to other land uses. Yet, there is rather limited knowledge on the spatial and demographic extent of Shifting Cultivation and the consequences of the transitions taking place. The proposed mechanism for reduced greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) can be both a challenge and opportunity for Shifting cultivators. Very limited literature is available on this dilemma, but a few sources point to benefits from ‘compensated reductions’ if carbon prices are sufficiently high. The main challenges will be to first ensure that poor farmers have access to the products they no longer farm, second, clarify land tenure of disputed farm and fallow land, and third, provide a guarantee that the compensations will be paid and not be lost in systems of poor governance.
Andreas Heinimann - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Shifting Cultivation stability and change: Contrasting pathways of land use and livelihood change in Laos
Applied Geography, 2014Co-Authors: Thoumthone Vongvisouk, Andreas Heinimann, Ole Mertz, Sithong Thongmanivong, Khamla PhanvilayAbstract:Rural areas in Laos are experiencing a rapid transformation from traditional rice-based Shifting Cultivation systems to more permanent and diversified market-oriented Cultivation systems. The consequences of these changes for local livelihoods are not well known. This study analyzes the impact of Shifting Cultivation change on the livelihood of rural people in six villages in three districts of northern and central Laos. Focus group discussions and household interview questionnaires were employed for data collection. The study reveals that the Shifting Cultivation of rice is still important in these communities, but it is being intensified as cash crops are introduced. Changes in Shifting Cultivation during the past ten years vary greatly between the communities studied. In the northern study sites, it is decreasing in areas with rubber expansion and increasing in areas with maize expansion, while it is stable in the central site, where sugarcane is an important cash crop. The impacts of land use change on livelihoods are also diverse. Cash crop producers hold more agricultural land than non-cash crop producers, and rubber and sugarcane producers have fewer rice shortages than non-producers. In the future, livelihood improvements in the central study site may be replicated in the northern sites, but this depends to a large extent on the economic and agricultural settings into which cash crops and other development opportunities are introduced. Moreover, the expansion of cash crops appears to counteract Lao policies aimed at replacing Shifting Cultivation areas with forests.
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A Texture-Based Land Cover Classification for the Delineation of a Shifting Cultivation Landscape in the Lao PDR Using Landscape Metrics
Remote Sensing, 2013Co-Authors: Kaspar Hurni, Cornelia Hett, Peter Messerli, Michael Epprecht, Andreas HeinimannAbstract:The delineation of Shifting Cultivation landscapes using remote sensing in mountainous regions is challenging. On the one hand, there are difficulties related to the distinction of forest and fallow forest classes as occurring in a Shifting Cultivation landscape in mountainous regions. On the other hand, the dynamic nature of the Shifting Cultivation system poses problems to the delineation of landscapes where Shifting Cultivation occurs. We present a two-step approach based on an object-oriented classification of Advanced Land Observing Satellite, Advanced Visible and Near-Infrared Spectrometer (ALOS AVNIR) and Panchromatic Remote-sensing Instrument for Stereo Mapping (ALOS PRISM) data and landscape metrics. When including texture measures in the object-oriented classification, the accuracy of forest and fallow forest classes could be increased substantially. Based on such a classification, landscape metrics in the form of land cover class ratios enabled the identification of crop-fallow rotation characteristics of the Shifting Cultivation land use practice. By classifying and combining these landscape metrics, Shifting Cultivation landscapes could be delineated using a single land cover dataset.
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Dynamics of Shifting Cultivation Landscapes in Northern Lao PDR Between 2000 and 2009 Based on an Analysis of MODIS Time Series and Landsat Images
Human Ecology, 2013Co-Authors: Kaspar Hurni, Andreas Heinimann, Cornelia Hett, Peter Messerli, Urs WiesmannAbstract:The rotational nature of Shifting Cultivation poses several challenges to its detection by remote sensing. Consequently, there is a lack of spatial data on the dynamics of Shifting Cultivation landscapes on a regional, i.e. sub-national, or national level. We present an approach based on a time series of Landsat and MODIS data and landscape metrics to delineate the dynamics of Shifting Cultivation landscapes. Our results reveal that Shifting Cultivation is a land use system still widely and dynamically utilized in northern Laos. While there is an overall reduction in the areas dominated by Shifting Cultivation, some regions also show an expansion. A review of relevant reports and articles indicates that policies tend to lead to a reduction while market forces can result in both expansion and reduction. For a better understanding of the different factors affecting Shifting Cultivation landscapes in Laos, further research should focus on spatially explicit analyses.
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Socio-Economic Perspectives on Shifting Cultivation Landscapes in Northern Laos
Human Ecology, 2013Co-Authors: Andreas Heinimann, Cornelia Hett, Kaspar Hurni, Peter Messerli, Michael Epprecht, Lars N. Jorgensen, Thomas BreuAbstract:Despite the rapid agricultural transition that has occurred in the past decade, Shifting Cultivation remains a widespread agricultural practice in the northern uplands of Lao PDR. Little information is available on the basic socio-economic situation and respective possible patterns in Shifting Cultivation landscapes on a regional level. On the basis of a recent approximation of the extent of Shifting Cultivation landscapes for two time periods and disaggregated village level census data, this paper characterizes these landscapes in terms of key socioeconomic parameters for the whole of northern Laos. Results showed that over 550,000 people live in Shifting Cultivation regions. The poverty rate of this population of 46.5 % is considerably higher than the national rural rate. Most Shifting Cultivation landscapes are located in remote locations and a high share of the population comprises ethnic minorities, pointing to multi-dimensional marginality of these areas. We discuss whether economic growth and increased market accessibility are sufficient to lift these landscapes out of poverty.
Kaspar Hurni - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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A global view of Shifting Cultivation: Recent, current, and future extent
PloS one, 2017Co-Authors: Andrew Heinimann, Kaspar Hurni, Ole Mertz, Stephen E. Frolking, Andreas Egelund Christensen, Fernando Sedano, Louise Chini, Ritvik Sahajpal, Matthew C. Hansen, George C. HurttAbstract:Mosaic landscapes under Shifting Cultivation, with their dynamic mix of managed and natural land covers, often fall through the cracks in remote sensing-based land cover and land use classifications, as these are unable to adequately capture such landscapes' dynamic nature and complex spectral and spatial signatures. But information about such landscapes is urgently needed to improve the outcomes of global earth system modelling and large-scale carbon and greenhouse gas accounting. This study combines existing global Landsat-based deforestation data covering the years 2000 to 2014 with very high-resolution satellite imagery to visually detect the specific spatio-temporal pattern of Shifting Cultivation at a one-degree cell resolution worldwide. The accuracy levels of our classification were high with an overall accuracy above 87%. We estimate the current global extent of Shifting Cultivation and compare it to other current global mapping endeavors as well as results of literature searches. Based on an expert survey, we make a first attempt at estimating past trends as well as possible future trends in the global distribution of Shifting Cultivation until the end of the 21st century. With 62% of the investigated one-degree cells in the humid and sub-humid tropics currently showing signs of Shifting Cultivation-the majority in the Americas (41%) and Africa (37%)-this form of Cultivation remains widespread, and it would be wrong to speak of its general global demise in the last decades. We estimate that Shifting Cultivation landscapes currently cover roughly 280 million hectares worldwide, including both cultivated fields and fallows. While only an approximation, this estimate is clearly smaller than the areas mentioned in the literature which range up to 1,000 million hectares. Based on our expert survey and historical trends we estimate a possible strong decrease in Shifting Cultivation over the next decades, raising issues of livelihood security and resilience among people currently depending on Shifting Cultivation.
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A Texture-Based Land Cover Classification for the Delineation of a Shifting Cultivation Landscape in the Lao PDR Using Landscape Metrics
Remote Sensing, 2013Co-Authors: Kaspar Hurni, Cornelia Hett, Peter Messerli, Michael Epprecht, Andreas HeinimannAbstract:The delineation of Shifting Cultivation landscapes using remote sensing in mountainous regions is challenging. On the one hand, there are difficulties related to the distinction of forest and fallow forest classes as occurring in a Shifting Cultivation landscape in mountainous regions. On the other hand, the dynamic nature of the Shifting Cultivation system poses problems to the delineation of landscapes where Shifting Cultivation occurs. We present a two-step approach based on an object-oriented classification of Advanced Land Observing Satellite, Advanced Visible and Near-Infrared Spectrometer (ALOS AVNIR) and Panchromatic Remote-sensing Instrument for Stereo Mapping (ALOS PRISM) data and landscape metrics. When including texture measures in the object-oriented classification, the accuracy of forest and fallow forest classes could be increased substantially. Based on such a classification, landscape metrics in the form of land cover class ratios enabled the identification of crop-fallow rotation characteristics of the Shifting Cultivation land use practice. By classifying and combining these landscape metrics, Shifting Cultivation landscapes could be delineated using a single land cover dataset.
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Dynamics of Shifting Cultivation Landscapes in Northern Lao PDR Between 2000 and 2009 Based on an Analysis of MODIS Time Series and Landsat Images
Human Ecology, 2013Co-Authors: Kaspar Hurni, Andreas Heinimann, Cornelia Hett, Peter Messerli, Urs WiesmannAbstract:The rotational nature of Shifting Cultivation poses several challenges to its detection by remote sensing. Consequently, there is a lack of spatial data on the dynamics of Shifting Cultivation landscapes on a regional, i.e. sub-national, or national level. We present an approach based on a time series of Landsat and MODIS data and landscape metrics to delineate the dynamics of Shifting Cultivation landscapes. Our results reveal that Shifting Cultivation is a land use system still widely and dynamically utilized in northern Laos. While there is an overall reduction in the areas dominated by Shifting Cultivation, some regions also show an expansion. A review of relevant reports and articles indicates that policies tend to lead to a reduction while market forces can result in both expansion and reduction. For a better understanding of the different factors affecting Shifting Cultivation landscapes in Laos, further research should focus on spatially explicit analyses.
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Socio-Economic Perspectives on Shifting Cultivation Landscapes in Northern Laos
Human Ecology, 2013Co-Authors: Andreas Heinimann, Cornelia Hett, Kaspar Hurni, Peter Messerli, Michael Epprecht, Lars N. Jorgensen, Thomas BreuAbstract:Despite the rapid agricultural transition that has occurred in the past decade, Shifting Cultivation remains a widespread agricultural practice in the northern uplands of Lao PDR. Little information is available on the basic socio-economic situation and respective possible patterns in Shifting Cultivation landscapes on a regional level. On the basis of a recent approximation of the extent of Shifting Cultivation landscapes for two time periods and disaggregated village level census data, this paper characterizes these landscapes in terms of key socioeconomic parameters for the whole of northern Laos. Results showed that over 550,000 people live in Shifting Cultivation regions. The poverty rate of this population of 46.5 % is considerably higher than the national rural rate. Most Shifting Cultivation landscapes are located in remote locations and a high share of the population comprises ethnic minorities, pointing to multi-dimensional marginality of these areas. We discuss whether economic growth and increased market accessibility are sufficient to lift these landscapes out of poverty.
Cornelia Hett - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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A Texture-Based Land Cover Classification for the Delineation of a Shifting Cultivation Landscape in the Lao PDR Using Landscape Metrics
Remote Sensing, 2013Co-Authors: Kaspar Hurni, Cornelia Hett, Peter Messerli, Michael Epprecht, Andreas HeinimannAbstract:The delineation of Shifting Cultivation landscapes using remote sensing in mountainous regions is challenging. On the one hand, there are difficulties related to the distinction of forest and fallow forest classes as occurring in a Shifting Cultivation landscape in mountainous regions. On the other hand, the dynamic nature of the Shifting Cultivation system poses problems to the delineation of landscapes where Shifting Cultivation occurs. We present a two-step approach based on an object-oriented classification of Advanced Land Observing Satellite, Advanced Visible and Near-Infrared Spectrometer (ALOS AVNIR) and Panchromatic Remote-sensing Instrument for Stereo Mapping (ALOS PRISM) data and landscape metrics. When including texture measures in the object-oriented classification, the accuracy of forest and fallow forest classes could be increased substantially. Based on such a classification, landscape metrics in the form of land cover class ratios enabled the identification of crop-fallow rotation characteristics of the Shifting Cultivation land use practice. By classifying and combining these landscape metrics, Shifting Cultivation landscapes could be delineated using a single land cover dataset.
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Dynamics of Shifting Cultivation Landscapes in Northern Lao PDR Between 2000 and 2009 Based on an Analysis of MODIS Time Series and Landsat Images
Human Ecology, 2013Co-Authors: Kaspar Hurni, Andreas Heinimann, Cornelia Hett, Peter Messerli, Urs WiesmannAbstract:The rotational nature of Shifting Cultivation poses several challenges to its detection by remote sensing. Consequently, there is a lack of spatial data on the dynamics of Shifting Cultivation landscapes on a regional, i.e. sub-national, or national level. We present an approach based on a time series of Landsat and MODIS data and landscape metrics to delineate the dynamics of Shifting Cultivation landscapes. Our results reveal that Shifting Cultivation is a land use system still widely and dynamically utilized in northern Laos. While there is an overall reduction in the areas dominated by Shifting Cultivation, some regions also show an expansion. A review of relevant reports and articles indicates that policies tend to lead to a reduction while market forces can result in both expansion and reduction. For a better understanding of the different factors affecting Shifting Cultivation landscapes in Laos, further research should focus on spatially explicit analyses.
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Socio-Economic Perspectives on Shifting Cultivation Landscapes in Northern Laos
Human Ecology, 2013Co-Authors: Andreas Heinimann, Cornelia Hett, Kaspar Hurni, Peter Messerli, Michael Epprecht, Lars N. Jorgensen, Thomas BreuAbstract:Despite the rapid agricultural transition that has occurred in the past decade, Shifting Cultivation remains a widespread agricultural practice in the northern uplands of Lao PDR. Little information is available on the basic socio-economic situation and respective possible patterns in Shifting Cultivation landscapes on a regional level. On the basis of a recent approximation of the extent of Shifting Cultivation landscapes for two time periods and disaggregated village level census data, this paper characterizes these landscapes in terms of key socioeconomic parameters for the whole of northern Laos. Results showed that over 550,000 people live in Shifting Cultivation regions. The poverty rate of this population of 46.5 % is considerably higher than the national rural rate. Most Shifting Cultivation landscapes are located in remote locations and a high share of the population comprises ethnic minorities, pointing to multi-dimensional marginality of these areas. We discuss whether economic growth and increased market accessibility are sufficient to lift these landscapes out of poverty.
Peter Messerli - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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A Texture-Based Land Cover Classification for the Delineation of a Shifting Cultivation Landscape in the Lao PDR Using Landscape Metrics
Remote Sensing, 2013Co-Authors: Kaspar Hurni, Cornelia Hett, Peter Messerli, Michael Epprecht, Andreas HeinimannAbstract:The delineation of Shifting Cultivation landscapes using remote sensing in mountainous regions is challenging. On the one hand, there are difficulties related to the distinction of forest and fallow forest classes as occurring in a Shifting Cultivation landscape in mountainous regions. On the other hand, the dynamic nature of the Shifting Cultivation system poses problems to the delineation of landscapes where Shifting Cultivation occurs. We present a two-step approach based on an object-oriented classification of Advanced Land Observing Satellite, Advanced Visible and Near-Infrared Spectrometer (ALOS AVNIR) and Panchromatic Remote-sensing Instrument for Stereo Mapping (ALOS PRISM) data and landscape metrics. When including texture measures in the object-oriented classification, the accuracy of forest and fallow forest classes could be increased substantially. Based on such a classification, landscape metrics in the form of land cover class ratios enabled the identification of crop-fallow rotation characteristics of the Shifting Cultivation land use practice. By classifying and combining these landscape metrics, Shifting Cultivation landscapes could be delineated using a single land cover dataset.
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Dynamics of Shifting Cultivation Landscapes in Northern Lao PDR Between 2000 and 2009 Based on an Analysis of MODIS Time Series and Landsat Images
Human Ecology, 2013Co-Authors: Kaspar Hurni, Andreas Heinimann, Cornelia Hett, Peter Messerli, Urs WiesmannAbstract:The rotational nature of Shifting Cultivation poses several challenges to its detection by remote sensing. Consequently, there is a lack of spatial data on the dynamics of Shifting Cultivation landscapes on a regional, i.e. sub-national, or national level. We present an approach based on a time series of Landsat and MODIS data and landscape metrics to delineate the dynamics of Shifting Cultivation landscapes. Our results reveal that Shifting Cultivation is a land use system still widely and dynamically utilized in northern Laos. While there is an overall reduction in the areas dominated by Shifting Cultivation, some regions also show an expansion. A review of relevant reports and articles indicates that policies tend to lead to a reduction while market forces can result in both expansion and reduction. For a better understanding of the different factors affecting Shifting Cultivation landscapes in Laos, further research should focus on spatially explicit analyses.
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Socio-Economic Perspectives on Shifting Cultivation Landscapes in Northern Laos
Human Ecology, 2013Co-Authors: Andreas Heinimann, Cornelia Hett, Kaspar Hurni, Peter Messerli, Michael Epprecht, Lars N. Jorgensen, Thomas BreuAbstract:Despite the rapid agricultural transition that has occurred in the past decade, Shifting Cultivation remains a widespread agricultural practice in the northern uplands of Lao PDR. Little information is available on the basic socio-economic situation and respective possible patterns in Shifting Cultivation landscapes on a regional level. On the basis of a recent approximation of the extent of Shifting Cultivation landscapes for two time periods and disaggregated village level census data, this paper characterizes these landscapes in terms of key socioeconomic parameters for the whole of northern Laos. Results showed that over 550,000 people live in Shifting Cultivation regions. The poverty rate of this population of 46.5 % is considerably higher than the national rural rate. Most Shifting Cultivation landscapes are located in remote locations and a high share of the population comprises ethnic minorities, pointing to multi-dimensional marginality of these areas. We discuss whether economic growth and increased market accessibility are sufficient to lift these landscapes out of poverty.
