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Influence of land use change and watershed degradation on irrigation systems in Nasaythong District, Vientiane Capital, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Thesis Abstract:
Through an interview schedule, primary data were gathered from 94 farmers in both lowland and upper watershed areas. The geospatial technology was used to assess land use and land use change in both lower and upper watershed areas, and to describe the biophysical and socioeconomic drivers of change. Specifically, the study aimed to: (1) examine the biophysical characteristics of the study area and characterize the land use change that occurred in the watershed, (2) analyze the perceptions of the
farmers on watershed conditions and management, (3) discuss and analyze the factors effecting the land use change in both upland and lowland cultivation in the irrigation systems, and (4) recommend improvements for sustainable watershed management.
Based on the study, about 811 ha or 11.23 percent of the upper watershed changed to other uses. The lower watershed (488 ha or 4.89%) was changed into other land uses. The slash-and-burn land area increased 693 ha in the upper watershed and 394 ha in the lower watershed. The rice field increased 79 ha in the watershed, while it was reduced by 192 ha in the lowland watershed. The built up land area was increased by 205 ha in lowland area and 7 ha in upper watershed area. The fish pond increased in both upper and lower watershed (8 and 52 ha, respectively).
Perception of representatives from institutions that have jurisdiction over the area influences land use change in the upper watershed. While the irrigation sector has direct responsibility over the reservoir and the use of its water, the forestry and defense sectors have control over the watershed area. In addition, the financial sector has responsibility over land use through land use taxation. The varying perceptions of representatives from these sectors led to different land uses in the watershed.
The information management system in the watershed needs to be improved. Cooperation among agencies involved is the key element for sustainable watershed management. Increased community participation in watershed management should be considered. The water harvests need to be studied so that the results will be used for water resource use planning in the future.