The Impact of Land Use Land Cover Changes on Livelihood Strategies of the Households in District Abbottabad, Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates the intricate relationship between Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes and livelihood strategies in the study area over the past three decades. Employing Geographic Information System (GIS) data and household surveys involving 130 participants, the research highlights a substantial rise in built-up areas (3.12%), contrasting with a decline in agricultural and barren land (15.7%) from 1989-2019. Through correlation analysis, the study delves into the link between LULC shifts and transformations in livelihoods. Descriptive findings indicate notable shift in occupational focus, with engagement in agriculture, livestock, and wild resources dropping from (42.9%, 18.4%, and 6.2%) in 1989-1999 to (12.4%, 6.8%, and 4.3%) in 2009-2019. LULC changes emerge as influential factors driving shocks such as migration, decreased rainfall, agricultural challenges, unplanned urbanization, and 2005 earthquake. Consequently, residents adapt by transitioning from traditional livelihoods to alternative off-farm income sources, enabling them to navigate and recover from these multifaceted challenges.