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Human and economic geography

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Volume XIV |
Human and economic geography

Land-use and land-cover patterns of the Himalayan landscape: Goriganga watershed as a case study (Central Himalaya, India)

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Abstract: Mapping and monitoring land use and land cover (LULC) in the Himalayan region are essential for sustainable development planning, ecological assessment and resource management. This study analyses the current (2023) LULC patterns of the Goriganga watershed in the Central Himalayas using field surveys, Google Earth imagery, ALOS PALSAR (12.5 m) elevation data and GIS-based manual classification. The watershed covers 2244 km² and exhibits substantial altitudinal variability (559–7383 m), resulting in distinct ecological and land cover zones. Ten major LULC categories were identified: snow and glacier, barren rocky land, alpine meadows (Bugyals), grassland, forest (dense, moderately dense and scattered), agriculture, built-up land and water bodies. Forests constitute the largest class (34.78%), followed by alpine meadows (27.01%) and snow and glaciers (17.94%). Built-up areas cover only 0.43% of the basin indicating limited human settlement at high elevations. Altitudinal zonation strongly influences spatial distribution, with snow and glacier cover dominating above 4500 m, alpine meadows between 3000–4500 m and agricultural land concentrated below 3000 m. The findings indicate the ecological significance of high-altitude Bugyals and the pronounced vertical stratification of land cover in the Central Himalaya. The updated LULC dataset provides a baseline for future land-use change assessments, environmental monitoring, and sustainable development planning in this climatically sensitive region.

Keywords: , , , ,
Full article 10.5775/fg.2025.3734.dDates:
Received: 30-05-2025 Accepted: 10-11-2025 Printed: 30-12-2025 Online: 30-12-2025
Affiliations:
  • 1 Department of Geography, DSB Cam.pus, Kumaun University, Nainital, 263001, Uttarakhand, India
  • 2 1 & Centre for Space Science and Allied Subjects, University of Ladakh, Leh – 194101, Ladakh, India
Corresponding author:
  • hreza896@gmail.com
Author contributions: Conceptualization: K.S.K., M.R., and R.C.J.; Methodology: K.S.K. and M.R.; Formal analysis: R.C.J.; Investigation: K.S.K., M.R., and R.C.J.; Writing—original draft: K.S.K. and M.R.; Writing—review and editing: K.S.K., M.R., and R.C.J. All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscriptDeclaration of interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Citation:
APA 6 | Harvard 2008 | Turabian 6 | MLA 7
RIS | BibTeX
Funding: This research received no external funding.Acknowledgements: The authors are grateful to the Department of Geography, Kumaun University, Nainital, for providing laboratory facilities and infrastructure to conduct this research. We also thank the U.S. Geological Survey and the Alaska Satellite Facility for providing ALOS PALSAR DEM data. The authors acknowledge Google Earth Pro for access to high-resolution imagery used in this study.
Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Forum geografic.
Provided under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License.
Open Access article.
Volume XIV |
Environment, Human and economic geography

Towards inclusive mechanization in rice farming: lessons from Central Vietnam

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Abstract: This study aims to analyze the benefits and barriers to mechanization application in rice farming in central Vietnam. A mixed methods approach was employed, based on 279 semi-structured interviews with rice farmers, four focus-group discussions and related secondary information. The study used the Perception Index formula and Likert scale items to compare large-scale rice farmers and small-scale rice farmers in relation to their mechanization activities and the associated perceptions. A gap exists between the demand for mechanization and its actual implementation, which comes from different benefits and barriers in rice farming. The differing Perception Index scores on benefits and barriers between two rice farmer groups suggest that production scale plays a crucial role in shaping the level of mechanization, as well as farmers’ perceptions of its advantages and barriers. The differences in rice farmers’ characteristics, habits, customs, and rice farming features have introduced new benefits and barriers to mechanization.

Keywords: , , , , ,
Full article 10.5775/fg.2025.3728.dDates:
Received: 30-07-2025 Accepted: 07-10-2025 Printed: 30-12-2025 Online: 30-12-2025
Affiliations:
  • 1 Nguyen Chi Thanh Political School, 266 Dien Bien Phu street, Hue City, Vietnam & University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, 102 Phung Hung street, Hue City, Vietnam
  • 2 University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, 102 Phung Hung street, Hue City, Vietnam
Corresponding author:
  • nguyenvanchung@hueuni.edu.vn
Author contributions: Theoretical framework and methodology, H.T.D and C.V.N.; data collection, H.T.D, C.V.N. and S.T.H.L; formal analysis, H.T.D and C.V.N.; original draft manuscript, H.T.D and C.V.N; finalizing the manuscript, H.T.D, C.V.N. and S.T.H.L.Declaration of interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Citation:
APA 6 | Harvard 2008 | Turabian 6 | MLA 7
RIS | BibTeX
Funding: This research is funded by Vietnam National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED), under Grant number 504.05-2023.02.Acknowledgements: This work was partially supported by Hue University, under the Core Research Program, Grant number NCTB.DHH.2025.03
Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Forum geografic.
Provided under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License.
Open Access article.
Volume XIV |
Human and economic geography, Regional geography

Livability assessment and socioeconomic impact indicators in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

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Abstract: The accelerating pace of global urbanisation has intensified the demand for livable urban environments, particularly in rapidly expanding cities like Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria. This study assessed city livability and socioeconomic impact indicators in Lagos Metropolis. It specifically evaluated livability indicators using both quantitative data and residents’ perceived livability data, with the aim of identifying the most livable areas of the city, understanding the perceived importance of indicators, determining those with the highest socioeconomic impact and identifying livability constraints across local government areas (LGAs). Drawing on qualitative secondary data and cross-sectional survey responses from 1,284 residents selected through multistage sampling, the study employed spatial descriptive statistics, weighted mean analysis and multiple linear regression to achieve its objectives. Findings revealed notable variations in livability across LGAs, with Eti-Osa identified as the most livable and Ifako-Ijaiye as the least. Residents’ assessments highlighted housing, transportation and urban facilities as top-rated priorities, reflecting a strong emphasis on shelter, mobility and access to basic services as essential components of urban life. In contrast, resilience, gender equality and urban governance were ranked as the least important livability indicators. Furthermore, physical development, social security and public utilities emerged as the top-rated socioeconomic impact indicators, suggesting that well-structured infrastructure, personal safety and reliable basic services significantly enhance residents’ socioeconomic wellbeing. Contrarily, urban resilience, gender equality, governance and poverty reduction were perceived as the least impactful in this regard. Major perceived constraints included poor transport coverage, high housing costs, flood risks and inadequate infrastructure accessibility. Regression analysis (F 1236/11 = 83.21, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05) confirmed that these livability constraints significantly affect residents’ urban commitment (length of stay in their respective LGAs). The study recommends prioritising affordable housing, sustainable transport systems, climate resilience strategies and inclusive urban governance to enhance livability and improve Lagos’s standing in global urban indices.

Keywords: , , , ,
Full article 10.5775/fg.2025.1.3678Dates:
Received: 26-05-2024 Accepted: 30-05-2025 Printed: 30-06-2025 Online: 27-07-2025
Affiliations:
  • 1 School of Environmental Studies, Department of Transport Planning and Management, The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, Nigeria
  • 2 Faculty of Administration and Management Sciences, Department of Transport Management, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria
  • 3 School of Logistics and Innovation Technology, Department of Logistics and Transport Technology, Federal University of Technology, Nigeria
  • 4 Faculty of Administration and Management Sciences, Department of Transport Management, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria
Corresponding author:
  • ademolakanmu@gmail.com
  • umar.salisu@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng
Author contributions: Conceptualization, Akanmu A.A. Salisu, U.O. Gbadamosi K.T.; methodology, Salisu, U.O. Akanmu, A.A.; formal analysis, Akanmu A.A. Salisu, U.O..; investigation, Akanmu A.A. Salisu, U.O.; writing—original draft preparation, Akanmu A.A. Salisu, U.O. Sonde, D.R.; writing—review and editing, Gbadamosi K.T., Salisu, U.O. Sonde, D.R. Akanmu, A.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.Declaration of interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Citation:
APA 6 | Harvard 2008 | Turabian 6 | MLA 7
RIS | BibTeX
Funding: This research received no external funding.Acknowledgements: The authors appreciate the management and staff of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Lagos State Waterways Authority, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Lagos State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the residents of Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria.
Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Forum geografic.
Provided under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License.
Open Access article.
Volume XXIII |
Environment, Human and economic geography

Struggles over critical land in the Nigerian Benue Valley: accumulation by dispossession and farmer-herder conflict

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Abstract: Conflicts between farmers and pastoralists have had devastating consequences in Nigeria’s Benue Valley. While previous studies have emphasized environmental resource scarcity arising from population growth, environmental degradation, and climate change as the main sources of scarcity engendering conflicts, the social production of scarcity through accumulation by dispossession has received limited attention. This paper fills that gap by investigating the farmer-herder conflicts in the Benue Valley and highlighting how scarcity of critical land is socially produced through capitalist accumulation by dispossession. This scarcity leads to tensions between pastoralists and farmers, underscoring the relevance of accumulation by dispossession in this specific context.

Keywords: , , , ,
Full article 10.5775/fg.2024.2.3649Dates:
Received: 29-03-2024 Accepted: 28-11-2024 Printed: 30-12-2024 Online: 28-12-2024
Affiliations:
  • 1 Department of Geography &amp; Environmental Sustainability, University of Nigeria, Nsukka &amp; School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, England
Corresponding author:
  • cletus.nwankwo@unn.edu.ng
Author contributions: Only one author listed conceptualized and produced the entire manuscript.Declaration of interests: The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Citation:
APA 6 | Harvard 2008 | Turabian 6 | MLA 7
RIS | BibTeX
Funding: The study from which this paper was derived was funded by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission in the UK with grant number NGCA-2020-76.
Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Forum geografic.
Provided under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License.
Open Access article.
Volume XXIII |
Environment, Human and economic geography

Former gas stations in Timișoara area – Inventory and analysis of recognised environmental conditions

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Abstract: In urban areas, gas stations can be classified as some of the most widespread hazardous locations. This is due to the flammable or explosive potential of the products sold here, such as gasoline, diesel, and LPG, and the impact of handling hazardous substances on the environment and public health. Closing a gas station without taking all necessary minimum measures poses a potential hazard to the surrounding environment and the population’s health and safety. The present study identifies the sites of former fuel distribution stations and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refuelling stations in Timișoara. All publicly available information regarding their recognised environmental conditions (RECs) was analysed. Google Maps or Google Earth images were used to confirm the presence of fuel distribution or LPG activities at these locations. Nine non-functional gas stations and LPG stations were identified, some of which have long been disused with minimal physical evidence of their economic activity, while others were more recently closed but still retain their facilities or associated buildings on-site. A detailed assessment of the environmental conditions was conducted for six of these locations.

Keywords: , , , ,
Full article 10.5775/fg.2024.2.3666Dates:
Received: 08-06-2024 Accepted: 30-11-2024 Printed: 30-12-2024 Online: 28-12-2024
Affiliations:
  • 1 Department of Geography, Faculty of Chemistry, Biology, Geography, West University of Timișoara, Romania
Corresponding author:
  • raluca.vaduva@e-uvt.ro
Author contributions: The first draft of the manuscript was written by R.V. and M.V. provided feedback. Both authors reviewed the manuscript and agreed to its published version.Declaration of interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Citation:
APA 6 | Harvard 2008 | Turabian 6 | MLA 7
RIS | BibTeX
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Forum geografic.
Provided under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License.
Open Access article.
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