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Dynamics of Shifting Cultivation Landscapes in Northern Lao PDR Between 2000 and 2009 Based on an Analysis of MODIS Time Series and Landsat Images

Hurni, Kaspar ; Hett, Cornelia ; Heinimann, Andreas ; Messerli, Peter ; Wiesmann, Urs

In: Human Ecology, 2013, vol. 41, no. 1, p. 21-36

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    Titre
    • Dynamics of Shifting Cultivation Landscapes in Northern Lao PDR Between 2000 and 2009 Based on an Analysis of MODIS Time Series and Landsat Images
    Auteur
    • Hurni, Kaspar. Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) North-South, Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), Institute of Geography, University of Bern, Hallerstrasse 10, 3012, Berne, Switzerland
    • Hett, Cornelia. Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) North-South, Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), Institute of Geography, University of Bern, Hallerstrasse 10, 3012, Berne, Switzerland
    • Heinimann, Andreas. Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) North-South, Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), Institute of Geography, University of Bern, Hallerstrasse 10, 3012, Berne, Switzerland
    • Messerli, Peter. Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) North-South, Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), Institute of Geography, University of Bern, Hallerstrasse 10, 3012, Berne, Switzerland
    • Wiesmann, Urs. Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) North-South, Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), Institute of Geography, University of Bern, Hallerstrasse 10, 3012, Berne, Switzerland
    Type de document
    • Postprint
    Langue
    • Inglese
    Publié dans
    • Human Ecology, 2013, vol. 41, no. 1, p. 21-36. Springer US; http://www.springer-ny.com
    Autre version électronique
    Identifiant OAI-PMH
    • oai:doc.rero.ch:317453
    Summary
    The rotational nature of shifting cultivation poses several challenges to its detection by remote sensing. Consequently, there is a lack of spatial data on the dynamics of shifting cultivation landscapes on a regional, i.e. sub-national, or national level. We present an approach based on a time series of Landsat and MODIS data and landscape metrics to delineate the dynamics of shifting cultivation landscapes. Our results reveal that shifting cultivation is a land use system still widely and dynamically utilized in northern Laos. While there is an overall reduction in the areas dominated by shifting cultivation, some regions also show an expansion. A review of relevant reports and articles indicates that policies tend to lead to a reduction while market forces can result in both expansion and reduction. For a better understanding of the different factors affecting shifting cultivation landscapes in Laos, further research should focus on spatially explicit analyses