Land Degradation Assessment in El Jicaral Village, Mixteca Region, Mexico

Abstract

Mixteca Region’s land resources are being affected by several degradation processes caused by mismanagement of farming systems, deforestation and cattle overgrazing. For assessing the land degradation conditions in a local level, this study was carried out in El Jicaral Village based on the analysis of several variables observed on topographical maps and satellite images. To confirm the reliability and accuracy of the analysis, in the present study a land degradation assessment was carried out through field observation. Along with the assessment, a questionnaire survey was conducted for understanding more the local situation. The questionnaire survey consisted of 24 questions which were divided into three sections: the basic information of local farmers, the application of agricultural chemicals and the current problems in the farming systems. There were 69 households interviewed. Although the results of both assessments were compared, significant difference was not observed between the remote and the field assessments. In addition, it was considered that land degradation information obtained through the remote assessment may be useful for small areas as an alternative method when a field assessment is not possible to be conducted. According to the remote assessment as well as the survey in the research area, it may be concluded that El Jicaral Village is facing a serious land degradation process due to land use conditions in the village, such as crop cultivation under steep slope conditions, deforestation and cattle overgrazing. Furthermore, no soil conservation practices are applied and chemical products are being used without understanding of their negative effects. Due to these conditions, land degradation is a continuing process in El Jicaral Village.