Key Takeaway:
- Permaculture is a natural and indigenous approach to agriculture that addresses the pressing problem of food insecurity and malnourishment in arid and dryland regions.
- Permaculture techniques, such as transforming unproductive land into food forests and implementing dryland techniques for semi-arid climates, can have positive impacts on both food security and the community.
- Strategies for water catchment, soil conservation, and preserving dryland species play a crucial role in mitigating desertification and reversing the effects of climate change in arid and dryland regions.
Introduction: The Need for Permaculture in Arid and Dryland Regions
Permaculture is a vital solution for arid and dryland regions, addressing the effects of climate conditions, food insecurity, and malnourished children. Discover how permaculture tackles these pressing challenges head-on and offers sustainable alternatives to thrive in arid landscapes.
The Effects of Climate Conditions on Arid Lands
The effects of climate on arid lands are deep. Low rainfall and high evaporation rates mean limited water and extreme temperatures. Vegetation cover is sparse, soil nutrients are scarce, and desertification is common. This makes sustainable agriculture and food production tough.
But, permaculture can help. It uses principles like diversity, integration and self-regulation to create resilient ecosystems that can survive arid climates. Techniques like water harvesting, soil conservation and afforestation work to improve water availability and soil fertility.
Permaculture also emphasizes the importance of indigenous knowledge. This takes into account the unique adaptations of plants and animals to survive in arid regions. Preserving dryland species and implementing conservation strategies protect biodiversity.
Permaculture brings a seed of hope. It can transform barren lands, help fight food insecurity, and ensure full bellies for malnourished kids in arid regions.
The Importance of Addressing Food Insecurity and Malnourished Children
Food insecurity and malnourishment among children in arid and dryland regions is an urgent issue. Climate conditions, such as drought and desertification, heavily affect agricultural productivity in these areas. This threatens the health and well-being of children, as malnutrition can lead to stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and cognitive development difficulties.
Permaculture offers a solution. It works in harmony with nature, rather than against it. Its principles, such as diversity, integration, and adaptability, are more beneficial than industrial agriculture. Practices like composting, mulching, crop rotation, and agroforestry create healthy soil ecosystems and conserve water resources. Also, it encourages biodiversity by providing habitats for beneficial insects and wildlife while minimizing chemical inputs.
To address food insecurity and malnourishment, specific techniques are required for dryland farming. These increase water efficiency and optimize yields. Conservation tillage, contour plowing, terracing, and micro-irrigation are all helpful. Including perennial crops in the agricultural system can provide a constant source of food.
Permaculture projects have many positive impacts. They create food forests, providing access to nutritious food. Plus, they generate employment opportunities and promote self-sufficiency. Additionally, they bring communities together and can be integrated into educational curricula. This educates children about sustainable farming practices, giving them the power to become future stewards of their environment.
The Role of Permaculture in Addressing the World’s Most Pressing Problem
Permaculture is key to tackling the world’s biggest issue – sustainable solutions in dry and arid areas. These regions are prone to climate change and have limited access to water and fertile soil. Permaculture is the ideal indigenous and natural way of farming for these hard conditions.
By using permaculture techniques, such as designing systems like natural ecosystems and getting the most out of resources, inhabitants of dry and arid areas can improve their food security and reduce malnutrition. Permaculture specializes in reviving ruined land, making better use of arable land, and transforming barren spaces into flourishing food forests. This gives a sustainable supply of nutritious food and business openings for local people.
For instance, Tharaka, Kenya, where permaculture has been applied to resolve food insecurity. This community uses specific dryland techniques designed for semi-arid climates to turn unproductive land into a productive food forest. These techniques include strategies for collecting water, conserving soil, and planting trees.
In addition, permaculture respects dryland species and manages arid lands sustainably. It takes into account how plants and animals adapt to these rough environments and encourages strategies for preserving biodiversity. Through rethinking desert use and occupation, permaculture works to promote development that fits with the fragile balance of these special ecosystems.
Permaculture: An Indigenous and Natural Approach to Agriculture
Permaculture, an indigenous and natural approach to agriculture, is a fascinating subject encompassing the history, principles, and advantages of this sustainable practice when compared to industrial agriculture.
With a rich heritage rooted in ancient techniques and ecological wisdom, permaculture provides innovative solutions for arid and dryland regions. Let’s delve into the history, principles, and the unique advantages that permaculture offers over traditional industrial agricultural methods.
The History and Principles of Permaculture
Permaculture: A natural and indigenous approach to farming. It is rooted in nature’s patterns, maximizing efficiency, and promoting diversity. Bill Mollison and David Holmgren coined the term in the 1970s, inspired by global indigenous farming practices.
Permaculture follows 3 ethics: Care for Earth, Care for People, and Fair Share. It also relies on 12 principles, such as observing and interacting with nature. This isn’t just agriculture, it’s creating resilient systems that can withstand climate change and provide abundant food production.
It’s more than just a Tinder date, permaculture is a long-term relationship that keeps you fed and happy. A holistic design system that seeks to create sustainable human settlements. It addresses food security and environmental sustainability.
The Advantages of Permaculture over Industrial Agriculture
Permaculture has many perks in arid and dryland areas. One key advantage is its capacity to make soil more fertile and better quality over time. Diverse planting systems, like food forests and polycultures, help to cycle nutrients and reduce soil erosion. This increases productivity and helps fight desertification.
Permaculture is tailored to the unique climate of these zones. It promotes efficient use of resources, less water consumption, and reduced environmental harm. Techniques, such as water harvesting and earthworks, let farmers cultivate crops in a more eco-friendly way than industrial agriculture.
It also conserves biodiversity by creating habitats for a variety of species. In contrast to monocropping and chemicals, permaculture calls for many plants in farming systems. This increases ecosystem resilience and offers chances for niche markets, agroforestry, and other livelihoods that benefit locals.
Permaculture encourages community involvement and empowerment. By involving locals in agricultural projects, it raises knowledge sharing, capacity building, and social cohesion. This leads to long-term success in addressing food security.
Permaculture provides a holistic approach to food production. It considers energy efficiency, waste reduction, and regenerative land management. By looking at the links between social, economic, and environmental aspects, it gives a complete framework to achieve food sovereignty in arid and dryland regions.
Learn how permaculture in Tharaka, Kenya is a productive solution in dryland areas. It transforms unproductive land into a food forest, and positively affects the school and community.
Case Study: Permaculture in Tharaka, Kenya
In Tharaka, Kenya, a fascinating case study showcases the power of permaculture in arid and dryland regions. From addressing food security concerns to transforming unproductive land into a fruitful oasis, this section explores the innovative techniques used in semi-arid climates. Moreover, the positive impacts of these permaculture techniques on both the local school and the community are nothing short of remarkable. Through this case study, we witness the tremendous potential of permaculture to create sustainable solutions in challenging environments.
Food Security Concerns and Utilization of Arable Lands
Food security remains a significant issue in dry and arid regions, where access to nutritious food is scarce. These places often grapple with drought, lack of arable land, and dearth of agricultural resources. However, permaculture offers a steady solution to these issues and makes complete use of the available arable lands.
Permaculture, an indigenous and natural farming approach, centers around forming robust ecosystems that copy nature’s designs. By applying certain permaculture principles, such as diversity, integration, and self-regulation, people in arid and dry areas can productively use their arable lands to cultivate food in a sustained way. This strategy focuses on devising systems that reduce waste, preserve resources like water and soil fertility, and at the same time, maximize productivity.
The Tharaka, Kenya case study reveals that permaculture techniques have been applied successfully to change barren land into a food forest. The community has used dryland procedures designed for semi-arid climates to overcome the obstacles caused by dryness. These methods include mulching, contour planting, and agroforestry practices that help retain water in the soil and boost biodiversity.
Furthermore, permaculture does not only tackle food security issues but also brings positive impacts on the overall well-being of communities. In Tharaka, the implementation of permaculture techniques at local schools has led to enhanced nutrition for students through the cultivation of diverse crops. Moreover, this approach has enabled community members by providing them with the knowledge and skills to sustainably manage their lands.
Transform from barren wasteland to abundant paradise! Witness how permaculture turns unproductive land into a flourishing food forest.
Transforming Unproductive Land into a Food Forest
The transformation of barren land into a food forest is a key goal of permaculture in arid and dryland regions. Through permaculture techniques, these lands can be changed into vibrant ecosystems for growing sustainable food sources.
- Design with multi-layered vegetation – strategically planting fruit trees, shrubs, herbs and ground covers to maximize space and have each plant support the others.
- Build soil fertility – through composting and mulching to increase organic matter and improve soil structure.
- Use water catchment techniques – such as swales and terraces, to capture rainwater and direct it to the roots of plants.
- Promote biodiversity – establish diverse plant species for resilience to climate change and provide habitat for beneficial wildlife.
Though difficult, the transformation offers great potential for rehabilitating land and forming self-sustaining food systems. Permaculture practices like these can create food forests that promote balance and nourish local communities.
Dryland Techniques for Semi-Arid Climates
In semi-arid climates, dryland techniques involve special strategies and procedures adapted for these difficult conditions. The aim is to save water and maximize crop production in regions that experience little rainfall and scorching heat. Ways to achieve this include:
- Harvesting rainwater with earthworks and reservoirs.
- Installing water-efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, to provide water to plants’ roots with minimal loss.
- Growing native plants that have adapted to drier conditions.
Dryland techniques help to cultivate sustainable agriculture in areas where traditional farming is not suitable. An additional tip is to spread mulch around plants to retain moisture, prevent weeds, and improve soil fertility.
Positive Impacts of Permaculture Techniques on the School and Community
Permaculture has had a big effect on the school and community in dry areas. Its effects have been transformational.
- Food security has improved with permaculture. Arid lands have been made into food forests, giving the community a sustainable food source.
- Nutrition has increased. The school children and community members now have better health due to the new availability of nutritious food.
- Earning potential has increased too. Surplus produce or value-added products can be sold, helping fight poverty and improving life.
- Skills have developed. People can now learn how to do sustainable farming, water catchment, soil conservation, and land management.
- The environment is being protected. Permaculture helps by regenerating land, stopping desertification, and conserving natural resources.
- Social cohesion is also stronger. People are working together to achieve common goals, uniting them and letting them take action.
Permaculture also does more than just provide food. It gives nutrition, income, and skills, as well as promoting sustainability. With permaculture, dryland regions can become self-sufficient, resilient, and cohesive. Water can be found and soil conserved, and barren lands can become fertile oases.
Dryland Strategies for Water Catchment and Soil Conservation
Dryland Strategies for Water Catchment and Soil Conservation explore the impacts of aridity and desertification, re-skilling methods for hydrating landscapes, various earthworks and water-harvesting techniques, and the role of afforestation and trees in mitigating desertification. Discover how these strategies can effectively address the challenges of water scarcity and soil degradation in arid and dryland regions.
The Impacts of Aridity and Desertification
Aridity and desertification have significant impacts on the environment. These conditions cause limited access to water resources, making it hard for vegetation and agriculture to survive. This affects the livelihoods of dryland communities who depend on farming and livestock. It also leads to soil degradation and erosion, resulting in severe consequences on both the ecosystem and humans.
These effects are far-reaching and affect various aspects of life. They hinder agricultural productivity and increase food insecurity. The loss of fertile soil due to erosion worsens the situation by reducing potential future cultivation. This cycle perpetuates poverty and malnutrition.
Moreover, aridity and desertification contribute to climate change. They release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through deforestation, vegetation cover degradation, and increased soil erosion. This affects regional weather patterns and has global repercussions.
Therefore, measures must be taken to address aridity and desertification in arid and dryland regions. Sustainable practices like permaculture can play a vital role. They can revitalize degraded lands, conserve water resources, restore vegetation cover, promote biodiversity, and enhance resilience to climate change.
By adopting permaculture tailored for dryland environments, communities can combat desertification. Earthworks for water harvesting, afforestation with drought-tolerant tree species, and agroforestry systems that integrate trees with crops or livestock production systems can help. These strategies retain moisture in the soil, replenish groundwater, and improve overall ecosystem health of arid regions.
Re-skilling in Hydrating Landscapes
Re-skilling in hydrating landscapes is key for tackling desertification. Get equipped with knowledge and skills such as permaculture and traditional methods to manage water resources.
Permaculture involves copying natural systems to save water and resources. Contour the land, use swales and berms to capture rainwater, and build ponds or tanks for storage.
Learn about indigenous practices like terracing, mulching, and intercropping. These have been used for centuries to optimize water use and achieve sustainability.
It’s time to revitalize dryland ecosystems, improve agricultural productivity, and create an overall healthy ecosystem. Re-skilling empowers communities to become resilient to climate change.
Dig and discover earthworks and water-harvesting techniques for permaculture in arid and dryland regions. Let’s create a sustainable future together!
Earthworks and Water-Harvesting Techniques
Earthworks and water-harvesting techniques can be used to enhance water availability in arid and dryland areas. These include contour bunds, terraces, swales, and keyline plowing. They help reduce erosion, increase soil moisture retention, and create micro-climates for plants.
Water-harvesting techniques involve collecting and storing rainfall. These include rainwater harvesting systems, rooftop catchment systems, and small-scale dams or ponds. They provide water for irrigation, livestock, and households.
An integrated design approach combines earthworks with water-harvesting techniques. This optimizes water management in arid areas. It includes thoughtful planning and structures that mimic natural hydrological processes.
In Tharaka, Kenya, permaculture practices have transformed unproductive land into a food forest. This was done using earthworks and water-harvesting systems. The positive impacts on the community and environment show the potential of these techniques to address water scarcity.
Afforestation and the Role of Trees in Mitigating Desertification
Afforestation is a must for reducing desertification. Planting trees helps stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and increase water infiltration. They also regulate temperature and humidity. This not only combats desertification, but also increases biodiversity and supports wildlife habitat.
Permaculture acknowledges the importance of trees. It integrates different tree species into farming systems to create diverse agroforestry landscapes. They improve soil fertility, conserve water, and provide multiple yields. Plus, these systems promote synergy between plants, animals, and microorganisms.
In arid regions, trees have indirect benefits too. They act as windbreaks, reducing erosion and protecting crops. Their shade lowers temperature extremes, creating favorable conditions for growth. Trees’ deep root systems help conserve soil moisture.
Unique ecosystems in arid regions depend on dryland species that are capable of withstanding brutal heat.
Preserving Dryland Species and Managing Arid Lands
Preserving Dryland Species and Managing Arid Lands: Dive into the pressing issues of aridity, soil salinity, and drought, discover unique adaptations of plants and animals in dryland environments, explore strategies for conserving dryland species, and rethink desert use and occupation for sustainable development.
Issues of Aridity, Soil Salinity, and Drought
Arid regions have huge challenges. Aridity, soil salinity, and drought are among them. These issues have an effect on the productivity and sustainability of farming there. Lack of water due to aridity and drought can cause food scarcity. Plus, the salt content in the soil, called soil salinity, stops plants from growing and taking in nutrients. This contributes to the vulnerability of these areas and their people.
Permaculture offers a holistic strategy to deal with these challenges. It encourages sustainable practices and ecosystem design principles to help heal arid lands. Catchment systems and earthworks are some water management strategies that permaculture uses to reduce water problems.
It also promotes the cultivation of plants adapted to arid conditions. These plants can cope with little rain and survive in salty soils. Agroforestry diversifies the plants which makes the ecosystem more stable.
Focusing on these issues is important for the long-term sustainability and resilience of arid lands. If nothing is done about them, there will be even more desertification, loss of biodiversity, and food insecurity. It’s essential to share knowledge about effective permaculture techniques between people involved in conserving drylands.
Permaculture not only makes aridity, soil salinity, and drought more bearable, but it also helps with climate change. Governments, organizations, and individuals should recognize the urgency of these issues and invest in permaculture to achieve long-term sustainability and resilience.
Adaptations of Plants and Animals in Dryland Environments
Plants and animals of dryland environments, such as deserts, have amazing adaptations for survival in harsh conditions. These adaptations not only help them survive, but thrive in areas where water is scarce and temperatures can be extreme.
Cacti and succulents, for example, have special ways to save water. They have thick, wax-covered leaves or stems that reduce evaporation. Plus, some desert plants have deep root systems that let them access underground water.
Animals in dryland areas have also evolved special strategies for dealing with limited water. Many desert animals are nocturnal as cooler nighttime temperatures help them stop water loss through sweat or panting. Some species have adapted in a way that helps them store water better or extract moisture from their food.
When extreme drought hits, plants and animals in arid regions enter a state of dormancy. Plants may shed their leaves or sink into the ground until conditions become more favorable. Animals may go into hibernation or estivation to conserve energy and lessen their water needs.
In conclusion, the adaptations of plants and animals in dryland environments show their incredible resilience and capability to survive in tough conditions. Understanding these adaptations is important for creating effective conservation strategies and preserving these unique ecosystems.
Strategies for Conserving Dryland Species
Conserving dryland species is a must for sustaining biodiversity and ecosystems in arid regions. Through permaculture techniques, like utilizing native plants, water-efficient irrigation, creating wildlife corridors, educating communities and practicing sustainable land management, we can develop strategies for preserving these species.
- Native plants: Native plants are adapted to the arid environment and essential in supporting local wildlife. By having them in permaculture designs, we can conserve them, supplying food and habitat to animals and insects.
- Water-efficient irrigation: Water scarcity is a great struggle in arid regions. Water-efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation or rainwater harvesting, can help save water resources while saving dryland species.
- Wildlife corridors: Establishing wildlife corridors lets animals move across fragmented landscapes, allowing gene flow which helps species’ resilience. Having these corridors in permaculture designs can help conservation efforts by connecting habitats.
- Community awareness and education: Involving the local community is necessary for success. By raising awareness on the importance of conserving dryland species and teaching community members about permaculture, individuals can actively preserve their environment.
- Sustainable land management: Implementing sustainable land management, like rotational grazing or regenerative agriculture, reduces soil degradation and prevents habitat loss. These practices are essential for keeping healthy ecosystems and conserving dryland species.
Permaculture techniques offer a holistic approach that takes into account ecological sustainability and community involvement, ensuring the survival of unique plant and animal species in arid regions globally while preparing for climate change challenges.
Rethinking Desert Use and Occupation for Sustainable Development
Deserts can be more than just uninhabitable and unproductive. We must consider how to use them in a sustainable manner for the benefit of those who live in dryland regions. Permaculture offers an indigenous, natural approach to agriculture that can be implemented in these harsh environments.
By understanding the challenges of aridity, soil salinity, and drought, permaculture techniques can help us adapt and conserve dryland species. This includes water catchment, soil conservation, earthworks, and water harvesting. We can also use afforestation to mitigate desertification.
Sustainable development can bring food security and transform unproductive land into productive food forests. The positive impacts of permaculture in Tharaka, Kenya demonstrate that this approach can help us tackle the world’s most pressing problems.
Permaculture: Saving the world one desert at a time.
Conclusion: The Importance of Permaculture in Addressing Climate Change in Arid and Dryland Regions
Permaculture holds immense significance in combating climate change in arid and dryland regions. From addressing the urgency of climate change to reversing desertification and promoting sustainability, permaculture is a powerful tool. As we conclude our exploration, it becomes evident that greater world attention and investment in permaculture are paramount for sustainable solutions in these regions.
The Urgency of Addressing Climate Change in Arid and Dryland Regions
Climate change in arid and dryland regions needs urgent attention. These areas are extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change such as increased aridity, desertification, and drought. We must take action to protect these regions from further damage and ensure their long-term sustainability.
Desertification and land degradation are happening at accelerated rates in these regions, leading to soil infertility, loss of biodiversity, and decreased ecosystem services. Climate change is making it even harder for these regions to cope with existing challenges like water scarcity, food insecurity, and poverty.
Taking action on climate change is essential for securing food resources and reducing malnutrition in agricultural-dependent communities. It also protects unique ecosystems and species that are adapted to survive extreme arid conditions.
We should focus on sustainable solutions like permaculture to tackle climate change in arid and dryland regions. These practices include land regeneration, water catchment techniques, soil conservation, afforestation, and promotion of native species.
Early action on addressing climate change is necessary to avoid irreversible damage and displacement of people who rely on these fragile environments. We must empower affected communities to become more resilient to climate change by implementing practices tailored to their specific needs. Permaculture is an effective way to turn barren wastelands into thriving oases.
The Role of Permaculture in Reversing Desertification and Promoting Sustainability
Permaculture is key for desertification reversal and sustainability in dryland zones. It uses native and natural farming approaches to combat climate change’s negative outcomes on these delicate ecosystems.
By utilizing permaculture principles, like soil enrichment, water preserving, and biodiversity support, it is possible to invert desertification and renew damaged areas. Practitioners can also use earthworks and water-harvesting methods to rehydrate lands and create more solid ecosystems.
In addition, permaculture emphasizes keeping dryland species and managing arid lands responsibly. By comprehending the plant and animal customizations to dryland settings, permaculturists can design systems that help these species and benefit local residents. This complete method ensures both ecological balance and human requirements are met.
The duty of permaculture in reversing desertification goes beyond ecological advantages. It also takes on socio-economic problems by offering sustainable ways of living for communities in arid regions. By converting unproductive land into food forests with permaculture techniques, such as agroforestry, communities can boost their food security and reduce dependence on foreign aid.
The Need for Sporadic World Attention and Greater Investment in Permaculture
The arid and dryland regions need more world attention and investment. We must act quickly to stop the effects of climate change and desertification. Permaculture principles and techniques can help us manage these issues.
Permaculture is an indigenous and natural way of farming that takes into account the conditions of dry areas. It follows principles like observation, integration, and regenerative design. With permaculture, we can provide food security and prevent childhood malnutrition in arid regions.
Investing in permaculture is more beneficial than industrial agriculture. It uses techniques such as water catchment, soil conservation, afforestation, and earthworks to create self-sustaining ecosystems with minimal inputs. This helps conserve resources, prevent desertification, and increase biodiversity.
The Tharaka people in Kenya are an example of permaculture in action. They used dryland strategies to transform unproductive land into food forests. This improved food availability, created new income sources, and encouraged environmental conservation.
Permaculture has been around for centuries in dryland regions. It is based on indigenous knowledge and has been developed with global principles. We must recognize the importance of permaculture and invest in it to address climate change and create sustainable futures in arid and dryland regions.
Some Facts About Permaculture for Arid and Dryland Regions:
- ✅ Drylands make up about 25% of the Earth’s land and are at risk of desertification. (Source: World Permaculture Association)
- ✅ The loss of topsoil in drylands is a significant economic downfall for many countries. (Source: Permaculture Reflections)
- ✅ Trees play a crucial role in combating desertification in arid regions by retaining water and reducing evaporation. (Source: Permaculture Reflections)
- ✅ Constructing swales, which are water-harvesting ditches, can help combat desertification by allowing rainwater to soak into the ground. (Source: Permaculture Reflections)
- ✅ Restoring ecosystem function and habitat for wildlife is crucial for the regeneration of dryland areas. (Source: TreeYo Permaculture)
FAQs about Permaculture For Arid And Dryland Regions
FAQs for Permaculture in Arid and Dryland Regions:
1. What are sack gardens in permaculture design? Sack gardens are a type of container gardening in permaculture. They involve filling sacks or bags with a growing medium and planting crops directly into them. This technique is particularly suitable for dryland areas with limited access to arable land. 2. How does farm reafforestation help combat desertification? Farm reafforestation involves planting trees and incorporating them into farming systems. Trees help retain water, reduce soil erosion, and provide shade and shelter for crops and animals. This technique helps improve soil health and prevent desertification in arid and dryland regions.
3. Who is Brad Lancaster and what is the Earthship/Earthworks Workshop? Brad Lancaster is an expert in rainwater harvesting and sustainable water management. The Earthship/Earthworks Workshop, hosted by Brad Lancaster, focuses on teaching participants about water-harvesting techniques and earthworks. It provides valuable knowledge for managing water resources in dryland areas.
4. What is the importance of soil health in permaculture design? Soil health is crucial in permaculture as it forms the foundation for a productive and sustainable ecosystem. Healthy soil retains water, promotes nutrient cycling, supports plant growth, and improves overall ecosystem resilience. Permaculture techniques aim to enhance and restore soil health in arid and dryland regions.
5. How does water harvesting ditch contribute to landscape management? Water harvesting ditches, also known as swales, are trenches dug on contour to catch and retain rainwater. They help prevent soil erosion, recharge groundwater, and gradually release water to the surrounding landscape. Swales play a vital role in landscape management by conserving water and improving overall water distribution.
6. What is the major climatic zone affected by arid and dryland issues? Arid and dryland issues affect major climatic zones around the world, particularly in regions with low rainfall and high evaporation rates. These areas include deserts and semi-arid regions in both developed and developing nations. Addressing these issues through permaculture design is crucial for sustainable land management.