Logistic modelling to identify and monitor local land management systems

In the wake of sustainable development, measurable indicators are needed to monitor land resources management. Aerial photograph interpretation, participatory research methods and logistic modelling were combined to establish indicators and to investigate their relationship with local land management systems. Land tenure and customary laws explained the differences in field characteristics at Ikem (southeastern Nigeria). A binary followed by an ordinal logistic model quantified the relationship between field characteristics and local land management. The odds for private land management increased with 102% per 100 m(2) decrease in field size and with 128% per unit increase in palm tree density. For communal land management, fallow periods were longer with increasing non-palm tree densities and field sizes; odds increased with 76 and 31%, respectively. Field size, total tree density and palm tree density are important indicators to monitor local land management. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.