Land suitability analysis for the establishment of forest plantation at Kyaukpadaung township, dry zone, Myanmar : a GIS application | |
| Author | Thiha |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.RD-00-14 |
| Subject(s) | Land capability for agriculture--Myanmar Tree farms--Myanmar Geographic information systems |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Kyaukpadaung Township is a resource poor area in the core of the central Dry Zone, Mandalay Division, Myanmar. Forest resources scarcity due to higher demand for household energy consumption coupled with severe land degradation resulted from forest depletion exists unsolved localized problem. In that situation, conservation of degraded natural forests and establishment of fuelwood supply plantations are only remedial measures for rehabilitation. But there exists no clear land use planning delineating forest and non-forest use. Forest activities are generally confined to degraded dry lands associated with problem soils. As a result, successes of plantation establishments are uncertain. This study focuses on suitability of land with special reference to the establishment of forest plantation. Spatial identification was done through suitability analysis that combined socio-economic and biophysical parameters using GIS as a tool. Based suitability classification used on the FAO's framework for land evaluation and guidelines for the forestry, sub-utilization types of forestry: fuelwood supply forest and conservation forest were specifically identified. The study considers two major aspects influencing on land suitability classification involved in a for fuelwood supply plantation establishment and conservation forest land evaluation process: affiliation of socio-economic conditions of local community including their insights regarding the process of land use suitability classification, and necessity of biophysical feasibility in association based on with technical specifications. Suitability classification that included socioeconomic parameters was compared to traditional prioritization methods that emphasized biophysical parameters only. Final results attempt to provide general guidelines in consideration of alternative land uses in future land use planning, specifically for forestry. The most important outcome of this study is the invitation to revise the currently adopted prioritization methods in land suitability classification for forest plantation and conservation forest. Until emergence of proper land use planning delineating forest and non-forest uses, this semi-detailed level suitability study will act as remedial measure in optimal allocation of land by which rigorous conflicts between local community and policy makers will restrain whilst adverse affects on natural environment are minimized. |
| Year | 2000 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Rural Development, Gender and Resources (RD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Webb, Edward L.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Apisit Eiumnoh ;Shivakoti, G. P.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Asian Development Bank, Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP); |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2000 |