Impact of Land Use/Land Cover Change on Rural Livelihood of Upper Swat, Pakistan

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the impact of land use/land cover change (LULCC) on rural livelihoods in Upper Swat, Pakistan. It highlights the dynamics of LULCC and its implications for sustainable mountain agriculture and food security. The images from Landsat-5 (1993) and Landsat-8/9 (2023) have been used to determine LULCC. The findings specify prominent shifts in land use and cover from 1993 to 2023, with an increase in forest cover from  14.8% to 23.6% and agricultural land  from 2.3% to 6.9% and a decrease in rangelands  from 41% to 33.8% and barren land  from 27.7% to 19.5%. This change has an impact on food security of mountain inhabitants, the accessibility of regional resources, and possibility for ecotourism. However, issues with infrastructural development and natural resource management are raised by the growth of settlements and the shrinkage of water bodies. Sustainable farming practices are pivotal for preserving food sovereignty and halting soil degradation. In addition, to provide chances for infrastructural development and agricultural diversity, regional farming can also increase resilience. This study advances knowledge of the complex connections between LULCC rural livelihood and sustainability.