Human carrying capacity analysis of land resources for sustainable development : a case study of Nakla Upazila, Bangladesh | |
| Author | Sultana, Kaniz Aklima |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.AS-05-15 |
| Subject(s) | Sustainable development--Bangladesh--Nakla Upazila Land use--Bangladesh--Nakla Upazila |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. AS-05-15 |
| Abstract | Bangladesh is a heavily populated small country with limited natural resources. To meet the increasing demand of food for increasing population of the country is a big challenge. As the land resources and its productivity are not infinite, all effort should be made to boost production with existing technology in order to feed the increasing population. Therefore, for long-term planning and development perspective, it is important to know what the maximum capacity of the land resources is to produce food and how many people it can support at best. Current research has been carried out with realization of the gravity of this problem. The study was conducted in Nakla Upazila, to see the prevailing land use system and potential production capacity of the land resources with an aim to estimate human carrying capacity of the area and to facilitate the formulation of development strategies for the area. Because of the conceptual difference and complexity of human nature and requirement no unique/ appropriate model has yet been developed to estimate human carrying capacity (HCC). Different authors have used different index to estimate HCC'. In this study total potential income from land resources and the income requirement to fulfill basic needs were used to estimate HCC of the area. Land and soil properties of the area were extracted from the Land and Soil Resource Utilization Guide of Bangladesh. Crop suitability analyses of the soil groups for socially acceptable crops were conducted using Limiting Condition Principle of FAQ. Extents of suitable area for suitable crops were calculated from spatial information of Soil and Landform Map of the area. Income from each crops were calculated using field data and data form Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Income, yield, hydrology, crop season and growing period of crops were matched to develop a cropping pattern for highest possible income. Income from livestock, poultry, fishery and labour were calculated using field and BBS data. Standard income requirement were calculated using government estimated income and expenditure data from Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics data and National Nutrition Survey data. The study indicates that the present population of the area is above the HCC in respect to present income. It has also been found that a remarkable achievement is possible in terms of income through suitable crop selection, recommended fertilizer application and proper crop and soil management resulting an increase in HCC. But if population continues to grow with its present rate it will soon exceed the potential HCC. To avoid this situation farmers can select high income generating cropping patterns, follow the recommended fertilizer application and crop management practices. Initiative should be taken to develop alternative income generating activities and opportunities such as agrobased industries, small and cottage industries as well as control of population growth. It can be concluded that crop suitability as well as potential income generating capacity of soils can be good indicators of human carrying capacity in any agro-ecosystem |
| Year | 2005 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. AS-05-15 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural and Aquatic Systems(AS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Ranamukhaarachchi, S.L.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Shivakoti, Ganesh P.;Thapa, Gopal B.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of the Netherlands; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2005 |