Land Allocation Research Articles

The Contribution of Biomass Energy on Urban Sustainable Development: Opportunities and Challenges

This paper examines the biomass energy issue, particularly its potential and problems in urban sustainability development. With the increase in demand for energy worldwide and sources of traditional fossil fuels gradually dwindling, biomass and other new and sustainable sources become more critical. A qualitative approach is taken to develop the framework, considering literature reviews and content analysis as the techniques employed. The results highlight the potential of biomass in meeting energy demands at the global scale but simultaneously stress the need for would-be expertise management to leverage the potential. The advantages of biomass energy include but are not limited to the enhancement of economic development, environmental upgrading, and boosting energy security by decreasing the dependence on fossil fuels. Land allocation disputes and negative energy balance issues complicate the situation, but recent technologies have eliminated such helpless considerations. The policy and planning implications show that such biomass energy potential cannot be fully exploited without government policy support, infrastructure investment, and international cooperation. This research tries to show above all that, despite the limitations, biomass energy provides significant benefits for city sustainability through the diversification of energy supply, intending to achieve goals compatible with global sustainable development. Areas for future research are provided, leaning toward more quantitative and empirical research to solve problems and verify theories. In fact, cities need to use biomass energy with ecological and equitable perspectives in mind.

Industrial Land Protection and Allocation Efficiency: Evidence from Guangdong, China

Industrial land allocation in China has been distorted for a long time by local governments providing land at a low price to attract manufacturing activities. This study explores whether an industrial land protection policy can reduce the distortions and, hence, improve land allocation efficiency in China. Using industrial land zoning and protection policies adopted in some cities in Guangdong province, this study finds that industrial land allocation efficiency is indeed improved after the implementation of protection policies, reflected in higher land prices and greater land use intensity. However, the improvement is smaller for industrial land provided to advanced manufacturing industries, indicating that local governments continue to rely on a strategy of offering cheap land to compete for high-end manufacturing activities. Further analysis suggests that the adoption of industrial land protection in one region generates a positive spillover effect on industrial land allocation efficiency in neighboring regions. Overall, this study provides new evidence on the effectiveness of industrial land protection.

The contribution of the Gaza Envelope Region to Israel’s food security

BackgroundArmed conflicts can severely impact food security by displacing farmers, destroying farms and agricultural infrastructure, disrupting supply chains, and limiting governance control over highly volatile food markets. In this study, we aim to gain an initial understanding of the impact of the ongoing Israel-Hamas War on local food production in Israel.MethodsThis study examined the challenges of food production in the Gaza Envelope region, a border area in Israel that has been profoundly affected by the recent conflict. The analysis focused on the allocation of land to specific agricultural crops and sectors, along with the nutritional output of these edible crops. The nutritional output was standardized based on the dietary needs of the Israeli population, considering population size and demographic factors. These methods aimed to understand the effects of conflict on crop diversity, the risks posed to specific crops, and the implications for nutritional security.ResultsWe found that the Gaza Envelope region is crucial for the propagation of several key crops, notably cherry tomatoes, radishes, and sweet potatoes. We identified 16 crops whose local production is particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to the conflict, including radishes and potatoes. The nutritional output of the edible crops from the Gaza Envelope region is extensive, producing over 50% of the annual caloric requirements of the Israeli population. Beyond the caloric contribution, the produce from the region is nutrient-dense, supplying more than 100% of the annual Dietary Reference Intakes for the Israeli population of 12 vital nutrients, which include dietary fiber, six vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, and five minerals including potassium and iron. These findings suggest that the Israel-Hamas War is having detrimental ramifications on local food production in Israel.ConclusionsThe ongoing conflict highlights the critical need for data informed agricultural support and policy adjustments to protect food production in conflict-affected areas. Up-to-date and accurate land use data are essential to assess the initial impact of any disaster swiftly and reliably on these zones. This approach will enable more effective responses to safeguard food security under crisis conditions.

An Integrated Framework for Optimal Allocation of Land and Water Resources in an Agricultural Dominant Basin

An Integrated Framework for Optimal Allocation of Land and Water Resources in an Agricultural Dominant Basin

Risk-return trade-offs in diversified cropping systems under conservation agriculture: Evidence from a 14-year long-term field experiment in north-western India

Conservation agriculture practices are promoted to increase productivity, profitability, and sustainability across diverse cropping systems. Many studies have used these goals in decision support frameworks to identify the most effective treatment among those examined. While this approach is valuable, it lacks actionable guidance for farmers regarding maximizing return, while minimizing risk. It does not provide specific recommendations on how to allocate land across various cropping systems and tillage practices to achieve such objectives. This would require another long-term experiment exploring various combinations of treatments. To address this challenge, we propose the application of modern portfolio theory, specifically leveraging mean-variance and conditional value at risk optimization models. Using these models has enabled us to identify the optimal cropping system combinations with different tillage practices that maximized yield and net returns with minimal associated risk. The proposed approach allows for recommendations involving combinations of treatments that may not have been previously tested in a geography. In a 14-year long-term conservation agriculture study involving twelve combination of tillage and cropping systems, we showed how different combination of treatments differ in risk-return profile using mean-variance and conditional value-at-risk models that trace out a frontier of options—combinations of treatments that give highest returns at minimal risk. For example, we find that across risk neutral (most profitable) and most risk averse (lowest risk) farmers, the optimal treatments on the frontier encompass of maize-mustard-mungbean (MMuMb) under zero tillage and maize-wheat-mungbean (MWMb) under bed planting (which offer high returns and associated risk), maize-maize-Sesbania (MMS) under zero tillage (providing a balance of moderate returns and risk), and MMS under conventional tillage (yielding lower returns and risk). Additionally, risk-averse farmers stand to gain by diversifying their land allocation. For instance, they could allocate 54 % of their land to MMuMb under zero tillage and 46 % to MWMb under bed planting to target net returns of INR 1,32,000, with downside risk of INR 56,000, otherwise they can allocate 44 % and 56 % of their land to MMS under zero tillage and MWMb under bed planting, respectively, with a targeted net return of INR 1,22,000 and downside risk of INR 43,540. This highlights the nuanced trade-off between risk and return in maize based diversified cropping systems under different tillage practices. Leveraging mean-variance and conditional value at risk optimization models in the analysis of long-term experiments can yield novel treatment combinations that hold promise and can be recommended to farmers for implementation.

Роль картографических источников в проектной деятельности по сохранению объектов культурного наследия

The author provides a description of the plans stored in Russian and regional archives and identifies their role in determining the historical and archaeological significance of a particular land plot. Fragments of Kazan city plans from the second half of the 18th – early 20th centuries are given as examples. The Republic of Tatarstan’s, RF, state archive funds capabilities, due to which the historic development of the site is restored, indicating the chronology, owners, functional purpose and building material of the constructions, are separately considered. The data obtained enabled developing a program of rescue archaeological field works to preserve cultural heritage sites, in which a promising land allocation area for research is identified, the type of work is selected, and areas of destroyed or damaged cultural layer are excluded

Water-land-food-human health nexus in bioenergy supply chain optimization under climatic constraints.

This study presents an integrated model that addresses the complex interplay between water, land, food, and human health for the optimal design of a BioEnergy Supply Chain (BESC), with a focus on future climate challenges. The model is designed to balance key objectives such as minimizing economic costs, reducing human health impacts, and optimizing water use. By employing a weighted-sum approach, the model identifies the best land allocation for various crops and the most efficient biofuel production pathways. Climate change impacts are analyzed by downscaling projections from the Hadley Centre Global Environmental Model (HADGEM) for Qazvin Province, Iran, using two climate scenarios: SSP5-8.5 (high emissions) and SSP2-4.5 (moderate emissions). The results indicate that water use for crop cultivation increases significantly under SSP5-8.5, by 14.31 % and 132.97 %, compared to SSP2-4.5 and a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario, respectively. Economic costs under SSP5-8.5 are found to be 2.5 and 4.1 times higher than those under SSP2-4.5 and BAU, while the avoided human health impacts decrease. These results reveal critical trade-offs between financial investment and human health outcomes under different climate scenarios. The optimal bioenergy pathways include bioethanol from corn and sugar beet, biogas from wheat, biohydrogen from corn, and jet fuel from wheat. The study underscores the necessity of integrating climate change constraints into BESC optimization models, as these significantly affect both economic and health outcomes. The findings provide important insights for policymakers, helping them develop strategies that balance multiple objectives and adapt to the impacts of climate change on bioenergy production and resource allocation.

Conditions and Models for Implementing Multi-Actor Participation in Rural Homestead System Reform: A Case Study of Jiangxi Province

The reform of rural homestead land is a critical component of global efforts to enhance rural governance, optimize land use, and improve the livelihoods of rural residents. This study explores the implementation conditions and models for multi-actor participation in homestead system reform, focusing on the role of government, villagers, and social organizations. Using Jiangxi Province in China as a case study, we highlight collaborative governance mechanisms that facilitate successful reform, including institutional frameworks, community engagement, and the role of intermediaries. The findings indicate that a well-structured collaboration between stakeholders can effectively address issues of land allocation, resource utilization, and sustainable rural development. Policy recommendations are provided to enhance the inclusiveness and effectiveness of the reform process, emphasizing the importance of participatory governance, transparent decision-making, and capacity building at the community level. The lessons learned can contribute to similar rural land reforms in other regions globally, promoting sustainable and equitable development.

Crop Diversification in India (1990–2016): Implications for the Eastern and Northeastern States

This study utilises data from the Agriculture Census for 1990–1991, 2005–2006 and 2015–2016, employing the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) to assess crop diversification in Indian states. The overall HHI declined from 1990–1991 to 2015–2016, indicating increased crop diversification nationally. However, the proportion of states exceeding the overall average HHI significantly decreased, indicating a shift towards specialisation or monoculture in some states. The analysis notes a decrease in the gross cropped area (GCA) under total food crops (TFC) and an increase in total non-food crops (TNFC). Despite the overall decline in TFC, high-value crops like horticultural produce, sugar crops, spices, and condiments have seen improvement. Focusing on the Eastern region (ER) and the Northeastern region (NER), the study reveals diversification in NER due to higher allocation of land to high-value crops, while economically disadvantaged states in the ER, such as Bihar and Odisha, show a trend towards crop specialisation, potentially affecting overall food security in the region. The study emphasises the need for government support to address persistent vulnerabilities in poverty, unemployment, and low yields in cereals, pulses, and oilseeds in these regions, recommending inputs, infrastructure development, insurance, and market linkages for perishable items to enhance food security.

Move out of the land: certification and migration in China

Abstract Motivated by the emphasis on securing property rights as an important tool for the efficient allocation of resources, including land and labour, we use three rounds of China Rural Household Panel Survey data to assess the impact of a land certification programme (LCP) on the labour and land allocation in rural China. We find that the LCP results in increased rural–urban migration, more active land rental markets, as well as higher household income and consumption in rural China. These effects vary with age and are larger for younger individuals and households with heads aged 50 years or younger. Improving property rights could be a central task for the Chinese government to tackle issues related to labour and land misallocation.

Open Data for Transparency of Government Tenders: A State Analysis in Croatian Agriculture Land Lease

State-owned agricultural land is an asset that the state must manage in a responsible and transparent manner. Agricultural land is extremely important for farmers as it enables them to carry out agricultural activities. Due to its importance to farmers, it is often the subject of debate as stakeholders are often dissatisfied with the allocation and management of state-owned agricultural land. Qualitative research of the process of state agricultural land lease and the associated legislation in the Republic of Croatia enabled the analysis of the existing business model, with the results pointing to shortcomings in the Initial and Evaluation phases of the process. A steady rise in the number of tenders published in 2015–2022 was recorded. Local administrative units in the Continental region scored higher than those in the Adriatic region (both cities and municipalities) in terms of transparency. Unfortunately, the response rate from the local authorities was below 50% across both region and unit, further indicating low transparency. Based on the findings, a proposal of changes in the tendering process was made utilizing a digital platform as an environment for all stakeholders, which provides functionalities essential for the transparent implementation of tenders for the agricultural land lease in Croatia.

Addressing the Impediments to the Perfection of Land Title in Nigeria: A Comparative Discourse with England

Land is an essential natural resource endowed by nature and deposited all over the world for the survival and well-being of humanity. In Nigeria, land control is vested in each federation state's Governor. The Federal Government controls the ownership and exploitation of mineral deposits irrespective of where the mineral deposits may be located. There is often contention about the rights of individual citizens, families, and communities in land ownership. The question of trespassing has often been a subject of litigation in Nigerian courts for decades with the advent of commerce and trade. The primary objective of this article is to examine land ownership, land allocation, and how the certificate of occupancy and Governor's consent affect land ownership, lease, and purchase of land in Nigeria. This article proffers solutions to issues arising in Nigerians’ right to ownership of land. The methodology adopted in this article is essentially doctrinal, using primary sources such as law reports and statutes. The article also refers to secondary sources such as law textbooks, newspapers, and internet materials. It recommends comprehensive reforms toward easing land acquisition and minimising the incidence of trespass to land in Nigeria.

Smallholder Farmers’ Perception of Land Conflict: A Case Study of Mara Chiefdom, Bombali District, Sierra Leone

This research aimed to assess the perceptions of smallholder farmers in Mara chiefdom, Bombali District, regarding land conflicts. It focused on investigating types, causes, impacts, and strategies for mitigating these conflicts. Quantitative and qualitative study was used, with 80 household head farmers from four communities and four (4) focus group Discussions. Data was collected through primary methods, including questionnaires and focus group discussions. Results from the research revealed that the prevailing types of land conflicts are family, individual, and land use conflict. Factors responsible for these conflicts are the weak nature of national and local policies, the increase in population, and gender biases in terms of allocation of land and settling of land disputes. Conflicts impact humans, the environment, and society, and dialogue has effectively addressed these conflicts. The study suggests the government should collaborate with landowners, raise land policy awareness, engage farmers, cattle rearers, Sun Bird Bio Energy Company, formerly Addax, and establish a local control mechanism. It also recommends community consent for land custodians to avoid misuse. Future research should involve a large-scale study for more reliable findings.

EVALUATION OF THE REASONS FOR INFORMAL CHANGES OF CADASTRAL ATTRIBUTES OF GOVERNMENT RESIDENTIAL LAYOUTS IN BAUCHI TOWN, NIGERIA

In Nigeria, the Land Use Act requires that the cadastral attributes of ownership, size, and use by beneficiaries of statutory land allocation be changed only after obtaining the government's consent. It was observed that this requirement is violated in some residential layouts in Bauchi town. This paper sought the reasons why this is so. Data were collected from a low and medium-density layout where the changes were observed. A purposive sample of seventy-three respondents was interviewed using a designed template. Responses of the respondents were transcribed and coded into themes using the Nvivo 10 Software. The themes were summarised in percentages and the content was described. The reasons for the informal changes to the cadastral attributes of the layouts were found to be difficulty in accessing formal land (97.26%), ignorance of formal regulations (86.30%), and weak development control (84.93%). It is suggested that the government should catalyze the creation of layouts, scale up public enlightenment on policy requirements, and improve the efficiency of land agencies through capacity building and decentralization.

Conflicts, crop choice, and agricultural investments: Empirical evidence from Nigeria

Conflict remains a major driver of poverty in Africa. Conflicts and political instability in the region have been increasing recently and are drawing more attention in public discourse. While it is widely acknowledged that conflicts disrupt agricultural production and food systems, the full extent of the damage inflicted on the lives and livelihoods of farming households and the mechanisms to redress this harm remain poorly understood. In particular, the link between violent conflicts and households’ land allocation and related agricultural investment decisions remains understudied. In this study, we use geocoded longitudinal data along with detailed agricultural panel household surveys in Nigeria to assess the impact of violent conflicts on crop choice decisions and related agricultural investments. Specifically, we explore how farmers’ land allocation and agricultural investment decisions relate or respond to the outbreak and intensity of violent conflicts. We find that violent conflicts are associated with a reduction in the share of both land area cultivated and area harvested. We also find suggestive evidence that violent conflicts may shape farmers’ crop choices and related investments, as violent conflicts are associated with reduction in the share of land allocated to long-term crops (e.g., perennial crops, trees, roots and tubers). Overall, our findings suggest that violent conflicts can negatively influence farmers’ agricultural investments directly by affecting both land utilization patterns and portfolio allocation across activities with varying returns to investments.

Social and Ecological Contributions of the Taungya Agroforestry System in the Restoration of Mount Elgon National Park, Uganda

Balancing conservation objectives with the livelihood needs of local communities remains a significant challenge in the management of protected areas. The Taungya agroforestry system, introduced in Mount Elgon National Park, Uganda, in 2009, aims to address this issue by integrating forest restoration with agricultural production for food security. This study assesses the social and ecological contributions of the Taungya system in Kapkwata sub-county, Kapchorwa district, focusing on its impact on forest cover restoration, food security, income generation, and the provision of ecosystem services. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 240 participants selected through random sampling, supplemented by key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative insights were analyzed through thematic analysis. The results indicate that the Taungya system significantly improved vegetation cover, with the majority of participants reporting an increase in forest cover from 0-25% to 51-75%. The program also contributed to household food security and income generation, with participants cultivating crops like Irish potatoes, maize, and onions for both consumption and sale. Non-crop benefits, including access to firewood and clean water, further enhanced household resilience. However, challenges such as small land allocations, crop pests, and wildlife conflicts were identified as barriers to maximizing the program's impact. To optimize outcomes, the study recommends increased land allocations per household and the introduction of integrated pest management strategies. The findings underscore the potential of agroforestry systems like Taungya to achieve sustainable conservation and community development in protected areas

LAND GOVERNANCE; FACTS AND EFFECTS. CASE OF THE CITY OF TAHER (WILAYA OF JIJEL IN EASTERN ALGERIA)

All religious laws and man-made laws call for the preservation and sustainability of natural resources, including land as an irreplaceable element.Compliance of land use with the guidelines of development and town planning instruments is a basic principle in land use. This rule of good governance leads to the protection of the environment, natural resources and the preservation of the natural, cultural and socio-economic heritage marking a given territory. Aware of this reality, the Algerian state anticipated this problem early on through the promulgation of laws and regulations governing territorial management, the occupation of urban land and the protection of the environment within the framework of sustainable development.However, the divide between land allocations and its use on the scale of certain urban areas on the eastern outskirts of the city of Jijel gives food for thought on the reliability and feasibility of urban planning instruments in the control of land management. . This deficiency is manifested by the disorderly extension of the built environment, the consumption of natural, forest and agricultural space. This trend, accompanied by the increase in population, generates increasing needs for equipment and amenities and difficulties in the management of all types of waste produced.Taking the case of the city of Taher as a study framework, the decadence of heritage wealth (social way of life, agricultural activities, low population and construction density, hygiene and environmental balance) can increase on board be noticed in view of the areas withdrawn annually from natural landscapes and agriculture. In order to control urbanization and meet the needs for individual housing, the municipality of Taher has planned several subdivisions in accordance with the town planning plan. Despite the fact that the majority of designated land bases are of a public legal nature, these operations for individual residential use have been abandoned under the effect of constraints and disputes. As a result, the land areas in question are invaded by constructions which do not necessarily meet town planning standards and land use rules.

Visualising trade-related virtual urban land transfers in China

ABSTRACT As a type of environmental footprint, the concept of virtual land captures the indirect land use embedded in our consumption and trade activities. Utilising the environmentally-extended multi-regional input–output model (EEMRIO) and Kaleidoscope diagram, we visualise for the first time the interprovincial flow of virtual urban land in China. It unveils the intricate urban network connections and the telecoupled interactions between human activities and land use amidst China's rapid urbanisation phase. The results indicate that the eastern region of China emerges as the primary net beneficiary of virtual urban land, whereas the western region stands as the principal net contributor. The local urban land in 65% of the provinces suffices for their own consumption demands. However, provinces like Zhejiang, Henan, and Jiangsu rely heavily on inter-provincial urban land to fulfil their consumption requirements. Inter-regional trade plays a pivotal role in facilitating the flow of land resources, significantly easing the strain between human demands and land availability in the developed coastal provinces of eastern China. Yet, it imposes additional ecological pressure on the more ecologically vulnerable areas in the west. The insights from this research are poised to offer valuable guidance for the Chinese government in harmonising urban development strategies, industrial distribution and the allocation of construction land on a national scale.

Gender analysis of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) yield gap: the case of Ada’a, Ethiopia

One of the primary development challenges hindering poverty reduction in Africa is the existence of a yield gap between female and male farmers. However, previous studies conducted in Ethiopia have largely overlooked the role of gender-related factors in influencing this gap. This article aims to address this gap by examining the chickpea yield disparity between female and male farmers and identifying its determinants. Data were gathered from 325 respondents (163 male and 162 female farmers) in 2019, combining survey responses with qualitative insights from discussions in two women farmers' groups, two men farmers' groups, and four key informant interviews. T-tests and linear regression models were applied to quantify the extent of the yield gap and analyze the factors contributing to it. Additionally, thematic analysis of the qualitative data was conducted to complement the quantitative findings. The study revealed that female farmers produced 29% less chickpea yield in the 2019 production year compared to their male counterparts, and this difference was statistically significant. Factors such as land allocation for chickpea cultivation, soil fertility, labor availability, chickpea variety (improved or local), access to extension services, and participation in farmers' cooperatives were identified as significant contributors to the yield gap. Beyond these technical aspects, gender-related challenges like unequal treatment, restricted mobility, labor demands, and religious/cultural taboos were also factors impeding the productivity of women farmers. Addressing the yield gap necessitates an inclusive approach in all agricultural development endeavors, recognizing and rectifying gender-based disparities to enhance the productivity and livelihoods of female farmers.

Commuting Pattern Recognition of Industrial Parks Using Mobile Phone Signaling Data: A Case Study of Nanjing, China

As a novel industrial space to cope with global competition, industrial parks have gradually become important growth poles to promote regional development and provide a large number of employment opportunities. This study utilizes mobile phone signaling data to identify the commuting origins and destinations (OD) of different industrial parks in Nanjing while comparing the distribution of the working population, residential population, and commuting patterns across varying types and levels of industrial parks. The level of coordination of the employment–residential system in each park is quantified by calculating the resident commuting index (HSCi), employee commuting index (WSCi), and their coupling coordination degree. Additionally, geographic detectors are employed to identify the influencing factors and interaction effects that impact the employment–residential balance in industrial parks. Results show that industrial parks located in the central urban area attract more residential and working populations. The commuting volume of national and municipal as well as high-tech industrial parks is higher than other types of industrial parks. Most industrial parks experience more inward than outward commuting, and there is an uneven distribution of commuting flows, resulting in a network-like pattern of “central dense, peripheral sparse”. Various industrial parks exhibit a highly coupled job–housing system, and those with high HSCi tend to have high WSCi as well. The coupling coordination of industrial parks ranged from 0.16 to 0.93, with 13 being primary coordination or above and 3 being disordered. Industrial parks are classified into three types: employment-oriented, residential-oriented, and employment–residential balanced, with the residential-oriented type being predominant. The density of public transportation stops, park area, and land use mix are the primary factors affecting the employment–residential balance. Industrial parks with larger scale, better land allocation, and higher service facility levels are more likely to achieve coordination in the employment–residential system. Our work utilizes mobile signaling data to characterize the commuting patterns of industrial parks, providing insights for industrial park planning and promoting the integration of industry and city.