2014 Volume 2014 Issue 24 Pages 25-38
In this study we examined the knowledge and awareness of 200 respondents in two local townships, Mindat and Kanpetlet in Chin state of Myanmar, regarding local environment issues and development requirements. Results indicated differences in knowledge and level of awareness between the two townships particularly regarding issues such as the reduction in fallow period, forest dependence, promoting tourism, protecting local identity and family planning requirements. These differences were found to be mainly due to the differences in economic and social status of the respondents between the two townships. Respondents in Mindat earn more and their education level is higher than in Kanpetlet. They are much more aware of natural environmental changes. In Kanpetlet, forest dependent subsistence is higher and the fallow period in shifting cultivation is shorter than in Mindat. Introducing effective cultivation practices with the required resources and knowledge will facilitate to increase their income while conserving the environment. The respondents have quite different opinions on the development requirements for increasing their earnings and uplifting their living standards.
