Land use systems analysis as a tool in land use planning : with special reference to North and West African agro-ecosystems

The various multidisciplinary projects presented in this thesis, in hindsight, all contributed to a new approach to land use planning. Hence, their results are placed in a holistic perspective via this approach. Part A presents a method for characterizing land use on the basis of transect surveys (Côte d'Ivoire; Chapter 2). In Chapter 3, an interactive multiple goal linear programming model is described as a method to quantify natural and human resources, and to analyse the relations between various crop and animal husbandry systems. In Part B, nutrient relations are examined with the aim of arriving at fertilizer recommendations for cereals through field experimentation (Senegal; Chapter 4), and literature review and simulation modelling (Chapter 5). Additionally, the effects of grazing on subshrubs in Egypt are examined by field experiments and simulation to quantify the availability of this feed resource (Chapter 6). Part C shows possible land use options, on the basis of a simulation model for managing integrated small ruminant - barley - subshrub systems (Egypt; Chapter 7), and a multiple goal linear programming model to examine the importance of fertilizer availability for self-sufficiency in food (Mali; Chapter 8). A synthesis (Chapter 9) presents 'Land Use Systems Analysis' after evaluating the current methods of land use planning. The importance of goals, scales, tools, and the time-path for attaining goals are discussed, and recommendations are made for the future application of land use systems analysis.