Determinants of Land Use Change in Phonthong County, Phonxay District, Luang Prabang Province, Lao PDR
Abstract
Land use change is a key global issue with significant impacts on human livelihoods and the environment. This study aims to identify the factors influencing land use change practices among local communities in Phonxay District, Luang Prabang Province, in the Northern Uplands of Lao P.D.R. A binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the determinants of land use change, based on data collected through structured interviews with 252 households in two villages. The questionnaire focused on demographic and economic characteristics, land tenure, physical conditions, and institutional factors. The results indicate that significant factors influencing land use change in Phonthong County include landholding size, product prices, access to quality extension services, distance, and household income. These variables were found to strongly influence local land use decisions. The findings suggest that demographic-economic characteristics, land tenure systems, physical factors, and institutional support all play a crucial role in shaping land use practices. To promote more sustainable land management in the Northern Uplands, policy measures should be tailored to the local context, encouraging communities to adopt responsible and sustainable land-use practices. This includes empowering local people to manage their village resources effectively and implementing context-specific policies that enhance sustainable land resource management
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