Land Use and Population Dynamics in the Kalikhola Watershed of Nepal

Abstract

This study analyzes the nexus between population dynamics and land-use practices in the Mid-Hill region of Nepal. The paper focuses on spatial and temporal changes in land use between 1987 and 1999 in a typical watershed in the western mountains of Nepal where community forest projects were implemented by the government. The dynamics of population, land use, and land cover within the Kalikhola watershed are investigated by performing spatial analysis of digital land-use maps in ArcGIS. There is a net increase in forest cover of 16% in the Kalikhola watershed with a corresponding decrease in agricultural land, shrubland, and grassland. The population of highland communities has been significantly reduced because of problems due to the implementation of community forest projects. In this watershed, a significant area under agriculture in 1987 was found abandoned in 1999, most likely because of increased out-migration of the labour force and frequent attacks of wild animals.