Perception Of Land Degradation Research Articles

Uncovering hidden determinants of millennial farmers’ intentions in running conservation agriculture: An application of the Norm Activation Model

Abstract Land degradation in mountainside areas is a serious threat that requires conservation actions, and the role of millennial farmers in this issue is crucial for future agricultural land sustainability. The perception of degraded land condition (LC) and the risk of farming due to ongoing agricultural land degradation (RISK) are suspected to be able to drive the intention to make conservation efforts. Based on the norm activation model, this study aims to analyze the influence of millennial farmers’ perceptions on the condition of degraded agricultural land and the risk of land degradation on their intention to perform conservation-based potato farming (CBPF). This study involved 169 millennial potato farmers on the western slope of Mount Slamet, Central Java, Indonesia. Data were collected using a cross-sectional survey from January to March 2022. The hypothesis was tested using structural equation modeling. The results showed that more than 90% of respondents stated that agricultural land had been degraded. The risk and personal norms (PN) have a significant effect on the intention of CPBF (β = 0.144, β = 0.505; p-value <0.01), respectively. Unexpectedly, LC did not directly affect the intention to practice CPBF (β = 0.076, p-value = 0.159). This study provides insight into understanding the behavioral intentions of agricultural land conservation, especially millennial farmers’ perceptions of land degradation in their farming areas. To encourage the millennial farmers’ agricultural land conservation intentions, it should be started by increasing the awareness of farmers’ PN since they only pay little attention to degraded LC.

Farmers’ Perceptions on Land Degradation: A Case Study in Vietnam

This study aims to investigate farmers’ perception of land degradation in Vietnam, where land degradation is concerned as one of the nation's most pressing issues. Based on survey data from 826 farmers in three representative regions of Vietnam (including Hoa Binh province in Northern region, Quang Tri province in the Central Coastal region, and Can Tho province in Southern region) conducted in 2017, the study reveals that over 85% of the respondents have observed indications of land degradation on their farms. The farmers' perceptions of land degradation indicators were influenced by regional topography. Inappropriate farming techniques, excessive chemical use, and a lack of knowledge were reported as the major causes of land degradation. Furthermore, the farmers had limited understanding of land degradation as well as the benefits of soil conservation measures. Sustainable land management adopters exhibited their better perception of land degradation and measures for land improvement compared to non-adopters. Therefore, it is crucial to increase the farmers’ perception on land degradation and the advantages of adopting sustainable land management and this should be accomplished through widespread dissemination via mass and local media in the future

Farmers’ Perceptions of Land Degradation and Adaptation Strategies Adopted by Farmers in the Geographical Area of Bagaroua in Niger

The study was conducted in the commune of Bagaroua, (Tahoua region). The Tahoua area has agro-climatic characteristics favorable to agricultural production. This area is now threatened by the rapid degradation of its natural resources due to climatic hazards and human activities. It is in this context that the present study proposes to analyze the perceptions of farmers on land degradation and the adaptation strategies of producers faced with the impact of this degradation. The data was collected by interview using a questionnaire submitted to 254 agricultural producers sampled using the formula n=t² *p*(1-p) /m². The results showed that agricultural producers clearly perceive the manifestations of soil degradation by the appearance of glacis with percentages by 66% of respondents; formation of “erosion” ravines (13.17%); presence of pebbles and sandy bulge (10.07%). Farmers perceive the impacts of this soil degradation through parameters such as the reduction in cultivable areas (12%); attacks by crop enemies (7%); increased food insecurity (32%); the influx of able-bodied young people to big cities (11%) inside and outside the country and delinquency (6%). This situation puts the population in a situation of extreme poverty (16%), indebtedness (8%) and conflicts between households (8%). Faced with this shock, producers adopt adaptation strategies, the most widespread of which are, among others, the use of water and soil conservation techniques, the use of organic and mineral manure, the use of improved varieties early.

Key dimensions of land users’ perceptions of land degradation and sustainable land management in Niger State, Nigeria

Declining land productivity remains a challenge for agriculture-based livelihoods and for achieving food security. Yet identifying how land users perceive land degradation and their capacity to manage land in an environmentally sustainable manner can influence the measures initiated to address it. Using the case of Niger State, Nigeria, this study examines land users’ perceptions of land degradation and land management measures to address it in the Nigerian Guinea Savannah. We used the Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index as a proxy for degradation status, selecting 30 communities based on the extent of degraded areas. We adapted the World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies, Sustainable Land Management questionnaires to capture perceptions and administered 225 questionnaires to land users. Through key informant interviews, we collected narrative insights and data on perspectives and motivations of land users to understand land degradation situations and to interpret the questionnaire surveys. We analysed data through descriptive statistics, Principal Component Analysis and qualitative analysis. Our analysis identified four perceptions dimensions of land degradation characteristics, two perceptions dimensions of land degradation drivers, and six perceptions dimensions of sustainable land management. The results also confirmed that degradation in Niger State is both due to widespread unsustainable human activities within Niger state and those by migrant farmers and pastoralism from adjoining Sudan Sahelian states that push people further south, a leakage of ongoing land degradation and conflicts in other areas. To deal with local land degradation in Niger State, improved land tenure, alternative livelihood strategies, poverty eradication and awareness, nature-based sustainable land management practices such as tree-based initiatives, environmentally friendly agriculture such as Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration supported by the necessary political will and institutions are critical.

Determinants of market participation decision by smallholder haricot bean (phaseolus vulgaris l.) farmers in Northwest Ethiopia

Current knowledge on product marketing in Ethiopia is poor and inadequate for designing and implementing policies to overcome problems in the marketing system. This study was conducted to identify the factors influencing the market participation decision of smallholder haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) farmers in Northwest Ethiopia. Survey data were collected from 312 smallholder farmers and analyzed using Heckman’s two-step econometric model that estimates probit model in the first step and regression model with the parameters estimated using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method in the second step. The educational status, non-farm income from nonfarm employment, number of extension contacts, gender, improved seed use, chemical fertilizer, and farmers' perception of land degradation were the significant variables affecting the market participation decision of smallholder farmers. The amount of haricot bean output supplied to the market were influenced by age, experience, livestock holding, nonfarm income, extension contacts, gender, market access, and membership in marketing association. Participation in the market can be improved by providing training and education regarding the production and marketing of haricot bean output and increasing farmers' contact with extension agents.

Understanding the role of policy frameworks in developing land degradation in stakeholders perception from a post‐conflict perspective in Bosnia and Herzegovina

AbstractBosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is a developing country facing extensive land degradation. BiH exists as a decentralized state, where all land (e.g., agricultural and forest soils) and water resources are under exclusive jurisdiction of two entities and one district, rather than state‐level legislation. Complex land‐related administration occurs between entities that function independently from each other. The lack of coordination among entities frequently leads to political conflicts over land and limited data exchange which may further exacerbate current land degradation. This article investigates (a) stakeholders' perception of land degradation under complex institutional and policy structures; and (b) the current state of land degradation, with a focus on soil erosion as one important indicator of land degradation across the region. As a consequence of the Civil War that took place in BiH between 1992 and 1995, limited data on soil erosion and land status present additional challenges to those seeking to avoid, reduce, and reverse land degradation. Stakeholders reported that the existence of a policy framework as important to addressing land degradation, but not sufficient if implementation is weak. Decision makers reported that the existing policy frameworks are satisfactory, which was in contrast to other stakeholders. Reliable data are crucial for land degradation assessments and development of strategies and policy frameworks, but also better knowledge and awareness of stakeholder perceptions would foster their implementation. In summary, complex institutional structures underpin the weak communication and cooperation among institutions and stakeholders, which presents significant challenges for sustainable land management in post‐conflict societies.

Assessment of Farmers’ Perception of Land Degradation and Coping Strategies in Yobe State, Nigeria

The study was conducted between December 2019 – February 2020 in Nguru, Po-tiskum and Gujba Local Government Areas of Yobe state, Nigeria with sole aim of assessing farmers’ perception of land degradation and coping strategies in the state. Descriptive Survey design involving both quantitative and qualitative methods us-ing structured questionnaire and Focused Group Discussions was adopted. A total of 110 farmers were sampled using Purposive and Convenient techniques. Respondents’ demographic data revealed that the majority of the respondents were uneducated male youth with good years of experience in farming practicing non-mechanised rain fed commercial farming with vast farmlands. Crops commonly grown were corn (Zea mays), groundnut (Arachis hypogeae), maize (Zea mays), beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), sesame (Sesamum indicum) and sorghum (Sorgum bicolor) and commonly observed forms of land degradation included wind erosions, soil nutrient depletion, loss of soil fertility, loss of vegetation cover and break down of soil structure. Other forms of land degradation peculiar to some of the studied places were bio-invasion and salinization in Nguru and serious water erosion in Potiskum. The most common unsustainable farming practices identified included deforestation, bush burning, mono-cropping, in-creased tillage, continuous cultivation, indiscriminate use of fertilizer and other agro-chemicals. The farmers’ perceptions on the causes of land degradation were not more different and included deforestation, bush burning, natural causes, continuous crop-ping etc. while its indicators according to the farmers’ perceptions included loss of soil fertility, poor crop yield etc. The farmers also believed that the major impacts of land degradation were reduced crop yield which translates into increased poverty among farming communities. With regards to the possible solutions to land degra-dation, the farmers believed that measures such as shifting cultivation, reforestation, stopping bush burning, mulching, use of organic manure, application of inorganic fer-tilizer etc. were adopted by the farmers. Besides, to cope with the impacts of droughts and delayed rains, the farmers usually practice early planting and use of improved seeds especially drought resistant seeds. Based on the outcome of the study, it was concluded that despite being fully aware of the environmental impacts of some farming practices such as bush burning, farmers in these areas still engage in many unfriendly farming practices probably due to poverty, culture or ignorance. Hence, it was against this background that a strong recommendation was proffered that special laws and regulations should be enacted to tackle human induced agricultural land degradation.

Local livelihoods and land users’ perceptions of land degradation in northwest Tunisia

Understanding land users’ livelihoods and their strategies is essential in order to adapt prevention and adaptation policies and to ensure sustainable land management (SLM) planning. Considering the global call for SLM, and due to a lack of studies on land degradation (LD) in Tunisia, we aimed to explore the livelihoods of farmers, their livelihoods strategies and perceptions about LD and land management, in order to design SLM in rural areas in Tunisia. We used the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) to analyse the livelihoods assets, livelihoods strategies, and the perceptions of people about LD and SLM. Through structured interviews with 90 households, we collected both quantitative and qualitative data on household assets, strategies, and perceptions. Results indicate variation in the status of livelihoods among households, which influences their livelihoods strategies and consequently livelihoods outcomes. When facing environmental issues, farm households apply various livelihoods strategies to shield themselves from negative impacts and shocks. Our study revealed that farmers in the high-livelihoods-assets category chose economic returns over environmental benefits. Farmers in the low-livelihoods-assets category have generated livelihoods strategies that lead to inappropriate management strategies due to low access to assets and, as a result, contributed to LD. This is because these farmers are more concerned about the immediate constraints of their livelihoods and subsistence than the medium and long-term sustainable land management. Compared to the other two groups, farmers in the medium-livelihoods assets category have the best perceptions and flexibility for SLM compared to the other two categories. Thus, as the quality of land is highly dependent on the way it is managed, environmental and land management planning, and policies should not only consider the rehabilitation of land but also require a better understanding of the livelihoods, strategies and perceptions of people as these remain key drivers that affect land condition.

Farmers' perceptions and adaptation behaviours concerning land degradation: A theoretical framework and a case‐study in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau of China

AbstractLand degradation through environmental pollution represents a serious threat to vulnerable populations in rural China. To better understand farmers' perceptions of land degradation and their corresponding adaptation behaviour, this paper presents a theoretical framework to explain the interactions among awareness, perception, mitigation, and adaptation, and tests the framework using a case‐study. A case‐study was conducted in Qinghai, where historical environmental pollution from a chemical plant had caused the contamination of soil, groundwater, and river water, which had negatively impacted the livelihood of local farmers. A questionnaire survey was conducted (n = 277), and the results were used to test the theoretical framework using structural equation modelling. Results indicated strong structural relationships between awareness and perceptions (r = .75, p < .01), a relatively strong relationship between mitigation and adaptation (r = .63, p = .02), and a weak relationship between perception and mitigation (r = .20, p = .54). The study results suggested that farmers were well aware of land degradation issues, but they lacked in‐depth knowledge about the situation and about sophisticated adaptation methods; therefore, they had chosen the easiest adaptation strategy‐ to avoid the degraded land. The farmers were less willing to bear significant financial costs in adaptation; however, the proportion of respondents adopting ‘moving’ as an adaptation strategy was relatively high, suggesting that farmland degradation in combination with employment opportunities in urban areas may be causing environmental displacement and accelerating urbanization. The authors of this paper recommend that policymakers should consider more than just technical factors in addressing China's environmental pollution and land degradation problems. The socio‐economic status of farmers should be a critical component in the equation, and bottom‐up empowerment adaptation behaviour should be used in combination with top‐down mitigation.

English

Community’s perception of land degradation by erosion is a key social factor that is important in deciding options for controlling soil losses. Therefore, understanding Community’s knowledge and their perception and factors that influence their land management practices are of paramount importance for promoting sustainable land use in the study area. Community of the study area have good perception of soil erosion in general and its causes, indicators and the area of their plot of land vulnerable to soil erosion in particular. Moreover, they have good traditional and modern measure of soil conservation methods. However, various hindering factors such as lack of capital, poverty, small size of their land and other socio-economic and physical factors were observed which obstacle to apply the SWC technologies. In addition, Community’s perception of importance of modern SWC technologies was very high. However, the way of their perception seems wrong. Because, they perceive that modern SWC is government strategy to rehabilitate highly degraded area through campaigns rather than method of soil conservation on the agricultural land. They consider that the structure occupy large area that it hinder them to fully utilize their highly fragemented farmland due to high dependency on agriculture. Therefore, it is recommended that good policy and strategies by the government, corrective intervention from any concerned organizations aimed at this issue as well as the community’s participation on encouraging farmers’ participation in soil conservation practices are very important to solve current soil erosion devastations and environmental deterioration of the study area. Key words: Participation, perception, soil erosion.

Farmers' Perception of Land Degradation and Traditional Knowledge in Southern Ethiopia—Resilience and Stability

AbstractLand degradation is the major economic and environmental threat in Ethiopia. Since the 1960s, the various traditional land management systems have undergone unprecedented changes. Within the context of farmers' awareness of land degradation and local responses to the problems, the objective of this study is to examine the resilience and stability of traditional land management knowledge in Southern Ethiopia. Data were collected using interviews, group discussions and field observations. Results of the study demonstrate that farmers have a wealth of experience in identifying the severity, dynamics and causes of soil erosion and soil fertility decline and grazing land deterioration. In response to these problems, farmers have developed a wide range of traditional land management practices, supported across the generations by the traditional law (benee woga) and norms. However, recent changes include reduction and abandonment of fallowing, modification of crop rotation and large‐scale reduction of manuring. The current practices used to fulfil livelihood requirements are the main driving forces that affect the resilience of the system. Thus, environmental and land use management planning should consider rehabilitating land not only based on traditional land management knowledge but also with regards to raising its agricultural productivity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Local Perception of Land Degradation in Developing Countries: A Simplified Analytical Framework of Driving Forces, Processes, Indicators and Coping Strategies

Programs addressing land conservation are not succeeding where they are most needed. Understanding, preventing and mitigating land degradation (LD) at the local scale seem to require more than technical knowledge and perception by external agents such as agricultural advisors and government officials. The main purpose of this paper is to identify the factors determining farmers' decisions to adopt land conservation practices in the local context. We argue that peasant decision-making procedures are strongly based on their perceptions of the forces that drive degradation. First, we summarize and rank prominent driving forces in LD particularly at the local level. Next, we discuss how local perception and traditional knowledge, including local indicators, have been addressed in published studies. Finally, we inspect the attitudes and strategies to cope with degradation from the perspective of local communities as reported in the scientific literature. We conclude that local communities should not be expected to simply adopt suggested practices; they may rather be supported to develop their own projects on the basis of their indicators and perception of LD, and their own survival priorities.

Farmers’ Perceptions of Land Degradation and Their Investments in Land Management: A Case Study in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

To combat land degradation in the Central Rift Valley (CRV) of Ethiopia, farmers are of crucial importance. If farmers perceive land degradation as a problem, the chance that they invest in land management measures will be enhanced. This study presents farmers' perceptions of land degradation and their investments in land management, and to what extent the latter are influenced by these perceptions. Water erosion and fertility depletion are taken as main indicators of land degradation, and the results show that farmers perceive an increase in both indicators over the last decade. They are aware of it and consider it as a problem. Nevertheless, farmers' investments to control water erosion and soil fertility depletion are very limited in the CRV. Results also show that farmers' awareness of both water erosion and soil fertility decline as a problem is not significantly associated with their investments in land management. Hence, even farmers who perceive land degradation on their fields and are concerned about its increase over the last decade do not significantly invest more in water erosion and soil fertility control measures than farmers who do not perceive these phenomena. Further research is needed to assess which other factors might influence farmers' investments in land management, especially factors related to socioeconomic characteristics of farm households and plot characteristics which were not addressed by this study.

Farmers' Knowledge of Land Degradation Issues in Ganga District, Daura Emirate, Katsina State, Nigeria

The study described here examined farmers' knowledge about land degradation; their understanding and interpretation of factors related to soil fertility decline; their responses to land degradation; their views on the seriousness of the problem; how their perceptions influenced the management practices of their farmlands within the study area; variations in farmers' perception of land degradation / soil fertility decline across Ganga District (Ganga, Godai, Shadambu, Tambu, and Mazoji); and the influence of level of education, gender, and age on farmers' perceptions of land degradation / soil fertility decline issues in Ganga District of Daura Local Government Area, Katsina State. A total of 240 semi-structured questionnaires were administered to respondents within the study area, supplemented by oral interviews and field observations. Purposeful sampling technique was used to select famers actively involved in farming practices in the area. The farmers were surveyed between December 2008 to January 2009,...

Perceptions of land-degradation, forest restoration and fire management: A case study from Malawi

Understanding local perceptions of degradation and attitudes to fire management are critical for gaining support for restoration work and improving livelihoods. Deforestation and annual burning are causing significant land degradation problems in the area around Bandawe, northern Malawi. We mapped evidence of soil erosion and remaining areas of woodland. Gully erosion was common and primarily associated with heavily utilised footpaths. Areas between gullies showed signs of significant soil movement. Remnant patches of native woodland existed but were small, degraded and isolated. We interviewed local households to understand local awareness and impacts of land-degradation, its perceived cause and preferred methods for restoration. All households were aware of the presence of gullies and reported associated problems of flood damage. Most households believed erosion was a result of deforestation. Burning practices were seen to have exacerbated erosion problems. Changing fire management practice was not seen as realistic as it risked reducing the productivity of grasses and fires were perceived to be too difficult to control. Tree planting was the community's preferred approach to tackling erosion. Their focus was on planting exotic fruit and timber trees around houses and they often requested that such work be done by volunteers. Such attitudes may have been influenced by recent extension work and a desire to secure ownership of utilisable resource. Ecologists in the miombo zone should focus on improving fire management practices and involving communities in creating diverse secondary woodlands that provide a range of goods and services. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Sustainability under threat? The dynamics of environmental change and food production in peri‐urban Kano, northern Nigeria

AbstractIn Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, peri‐urban livelihood strategies have increasingly become recognized as important survival mechanisms for a wide range of actors in the context of rapid urban population growth. Based on field research, which illuminates local actors' knowledge and perceptions of land degradation, this paper identifies some of the key forces that are currently shaping the process of peri‐urban change. The paper seeks to examine the social, economic and cultural contexts of land degradation in peri‐urban areas, with specific reference to recent developments in and around the bourgeoning city of Kano in northern Nigeria. Particular issues of concern include the competition for key resources and its impact on the environment, together with related implications for levels of poverty, livelihoods and peri‐urban food security. Since the concept of land degradation is a social construction, with different meanings for different individuals, a more critical evaluation of how the knowledge, understanding and perceptions of local actors drive behaviour and affect land‐use decisions at the micro‐level is essential if sustainable environmental policies for the future are to be initiated. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Farmers’ Perceptions of Land Degradation and Stonewall Terraces in Central Palestine

Land degradation by soil erosion is a socioeconomic and environmental problem facing many developing countries. Application of stonewall terraces for soil moisture conservation is vital to reducing the environmental impacts of this phenomenon. To this end, a field plot experiment was conducted in the study area along with the use of a closed-ended questionnaire. The object of the experiment was to study the socioeconomic impacts of soil erosion on local farmers and their adoption of the stonewall terrace technique. The study showed a higher net profit in areas that had implemented terrace conservation practices than in areas that had not (i.e., 3.5 to 6 times higher net profit). Correlation analysis indicated that the farmers' perceptions, land ownership, and geomorphology were significantly related to the farmers' incentives and willingness to adopt terraces as soil conservation measures (P < 0.05), although the correlations were negative. Smallholder farmers (52% of the interviewed farmers) were involved in the sale of the agricultural land for urban uses, largely because of the high price and immediate returns offered. However, the associated land use changes warrant greater involvement of both the private and public sectors. This cooperation may be accomplished through the introduction of a long-term agricultural loan system and the development of proper legislation accompanied by a comprehensive and durable infrastructure and service system with the goal of reducing the negative impact of land use changes and encouraging sustainable use of resources.

Impact of indigenous-based interventions on land conservation: a case study of a soil conservation and agroforestry project, Arumeru District, Tanzania

Land degradation has been identified as a serious problem in Tanzania since the 1920s. Among the factors normally cited as contributing to land degradation are deforestation, overgrazing and inappropriate farming practices. Several attempts by the government to arrest the problem have been based on top-down approaches. Indigenous-based interventions are among the alternative practices adopted by the Soil Conservation and Agroforestry Project in Arumeru District, Tanzania. The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of the indigenous-based interventions on land conservation. More specifically the study intended to assess farmers' perception of land degradation, the adoption rate of indigenous-based interventions, the impact of those interventions, and lastly the sustainability of those interventions. Data for the study were collected through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques and a questionnaire survey. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS®) was used to analyse quantitative data and Content and Structural-Functional Analyses were used for qualitative data. The study found that the rate of land degradation was perceived by respondents to be rather severe. The study also revealed that indigenous-based interventions, which require minimal labour and capital, have been highly adopted by many farmers while labour/capital intensive ones have been taken up by fewer farmers. In general, indigenous-based interventions appear to have eased farm operations and contributed towards increased crop yield, improved soil fertility and increased income. Success in some of the indigenous interventions warrants their wider promotion beyond the project area. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Farmers' perception of land-cover changes in NE Iceland

Land degradation is considered to be a major environmental problem by scientific and political institutions in Iceland. In past years, land degradation problems related to sheep and horse grazing have gradually come to the fore in public discussion of environmental questions. However, land degradation is often evaluated in different ways by different groups of people. This has led to a lack of consensus regarding rates and severity of land degradation. Therefore, it is important to study differences in environmental perception, and how these differences can be dealt with in the context of sustainable management. This paper aims to highlight farmers' perception of land degradation in Iceland, as perceptions of the environment determine the basis for human activities related to the land. A total of 100 farmers in NE Iceland were questioned and interviewed for their opinions on land degradation, its history, causes and severity. The results indicate that farmers consider land degradation to be a slow process, and not a catastrophic phenomenon. The understanding of the general ecological processes by the users affects their practices and concern for their environment. This feeds back on the land-use system and ultimately causes changes in land-cover. Therefore, if we are to increase our understanding of the processes that lead to land-cover changes we have to integrate the perceptions of land users and technical experts. In this way we may improve conservation practices and land-resource management policies. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Landcare GIS: Evaluating Land Management Programs in Australia.

Land degradation in Australia is a persistent national problem. Australian governments, in partnership with community groups, are addressing land degradation through initiatives such as the Decade of Landcare Plan and the National Landcare Program (NLP). The NLP has funded over 3500 projects, through various sub-programs since the start of the Decade of Landcare in 1990. The Commonwealth Government is currently evaluating these programs as Australia enters the middle of the decade. To assist this evaluation, the Bureau of Resource Sciences has developed a spatial information system - LANDCARE GIS - to provide an integrated analytical approach. LANDCARE GIS has been used to identify and analyse the spatial relationships between the NLP, land resource condition and land use practices. It presently contains five main categories of data including: details of projects; national and State surveys of land condition; State surveys of landcare groups; surveys of landcare and land management practices; and other resource, biophysical and socio-economic data. LANDCARE GIS is one of the first examples of spatial information technology developed for the evaluation of Australian Government programs and policies. It is able to provide information on the effectiveness of programs and on the strategic allocation of resources within priority areas. A preliminary assessment of landcare activities is described, including (i) descriptions of NLP activities, (ii) the extent to which the NLP is targeting land degradation problems, (iii) a comparison of landcare and non-landcare farmer management practices, and (iv) an analysis of farmers' perceptions of land degradation. Many Australian Government departments are now adding geographic information systems (GIS) to their management 'tool kits'.