Demographic dynamics and land degradation at Ratau, Lesotho, in the context of rural sustainability

Population trends and factors have been identified as indicators of sustainability. Existing plans for sustainable development have generally recognized demographic trends and factors as elements that have a critical influence on consumption patterns, production, lifestyles and long‐term sustainabil...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Land degradation & development 2004-05, Vol.15 (3), p.257-269
Main Author: Makhanya, E.M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
demography
land degradation
Lesotho
poverty
rural sustainability
soil erosion
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Summary:Population trends and factors have been identified as indicators of sustainability. Existing plans for sustainable development have generally recognized demographic trends and factors as elements that have a critical influence on consumption patterns, production, lifestyles and long‐term sustainability. The aim of this study, which was carried out at Ratau in Lesotho, was to examine the relationship between demographic dynamics and environmental degradation. The objective was to identify the nature and extent of the relationships between the prevailing land degradation and demographic factors at Ratau, and thereby appraise its sustainability. It was found that Ratau was overpopulated, overgrazed, underdeveloped and degraded. It was further established that there is some linkages between material poverty of the villagers, poor agricultural‐land management and environmental degradation, which indicates an adverse synergistic relationship between demographic dynamics and sustainable rural development in the study area. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ISSN:1085-3278
1099-145X
DOI:10.1002/ldr.613