Land use change, driving mechanisms, and future rural land use planning: An empirical analysis of a rural area in Bangladesh

Abstract

With the rise of regional case studies, land use/land cover change (LULCC) has always been one of the important concerns in geography and environmental studies as a local environmental issue with worldwide significance. In recent years, Bangladesh has experienced major changes in land use and land cover. The majority of LULCC research in Bangladesh has focused on urban land use change, and while urban land use has changed rapidly in coastal areas, modest but significant rural land use changes have also occurred. This study focuses on Manda Upazila (sub-district) in Naogaon District, Bangladesh. In the study area, agricultural land is gradually decreasing as a result of land use change. Brick kilns and housing settlements are occupying agricultural land, thereby reducing land productivity and fertility. Low profitability and low market prices of agricultural products are the main driving mechanisms behind land use change. Young villagers are also seeking employment opportunities in other sectors. Therefore, the study proposes policy measures to address these problems through appropriate land use planning and policy implementation.