A toolbox for land use analysis

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the various methodologies for land use analysis presented in this book. It starts with a discussion of objectives, structure, terminology, levels of analysis, and aggregation issues. The methodologies are classified in five groups, (i) projective, (ii) explorative, (iii) predictive, (iv) generative and (v) design-oriented. Whereas the first three involve land use analysis on (sub-)regional to national scales, the fourth quantifies actual and alternative land use systems, and the fifth provides completely new farm or field management designs. The terminology used in all methodologies closely follows the one originally suggested by the FAO. The land use methodologies cover a series of spatial scales — or levels of analysis — and aggregation issues, involving the land use system, farm, sub-region, region and nation. For all methodologies, the implementation domain is explicitly specified, as well as their mutual complementarity and role in agricultural policy support. Together, the methodologies form a coherent toolbox to support policy design by analyzing (i) current land use, (ii) likely changes in future land use and their drivers, (iii) technical options for future land use, and (iv) policies intended to induce land use changes in the (near) future. Sustainability issues addressed are related to the goals of “maintaining the resource base”, “protecting the environment” and “optimizing non-renewable resource use efficiency”. Whereas the first two concepts are mainly biophysical in nature, the latter focuses more on economics. Specific biophysical sustainability indicators relating to the first two concepts were derived from relevant sustainability issues in the Atlantic Zone of Costa Rica, and implemented in the generative, explorative and predictive methodologies. Finally, reflections are offered on the importance of user involvement in both the development and the application of land use analysis methodologies for successful policy support.