 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
- Knowledge Management
- Natural Resources Programs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land Management
 |
In Madagascar, USAID advises local farmers on ways to
improve crop yields while protecting the environment. |
As the world population grows, its escalating resource needs place ever-increasing pressure on land. This creates conflicts among competing user groups, and often results in adverse impacts both to the land and to its living and non-living resources. Land degradation due to desertification, soil erosion and deforestation is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, leading to loss of productivity, increased poverty, and conflict. While natural disasters can contribute to this degradation, human exploitation of natural resources is by far the leading contributor.
To successfully meet human needs, competing demands for the use of the land’s resources must be resolved, and more effective and efficient ways of using these resources must be adopted. USAID works to alleviate poverty and minimize land use conflicts by improving agricultural productivity, reclaiming degraded lands, protecting the environment, conserving soil and water quality, and enhancing community capabilities to manage natural resources.
Decisions about land use involve a complex mix of natural resources, land ownership, political, economic, and cultural considerations. As a result, the Agency approaches planning and management for the sustainable use and development of lands in an interdisciplinary way, which can extend from evaluating poverty reduction strategies in a natural resources management best practices context to development of sustainable agriculture and sustainable tourism enterprises. This cross-sectoral approach includes evaluation of scientific information, analysis of appropriate technologies, review of land ownership and management policies and institutions, application of geo-information technologies within the broad arena of knowledge management, and effective use of environmental education and advocacy. All factor in to supporting wise land use choices. Using a fully integrated land management methodology makes it possible to minimize conflicts, make the most efficient trade-offs, and ensure that social and economic development activities do not adversely impact the natural environment. This holistic process is critical to successfully meeting USAID’s objectives of reducing poverty, spurring economic growth while protecting the environment, and promoting good governance.
Learn more about USAID’s land management activities.
Back to Top ^
|
