Natural resource conservation with peoples' participation in the uplands of the Maribios Volcanic Ranges of Nicaragua. I. Appropriate land use and rural social diversity

Abstract

Biophysical and socioeconomic problems related to natural resource conservation of the uplands of the Maribios volcanic ranges of Nicaragua are discussed. Since the USDA method for land classification was found to be unsatisfactory, the FAO method, as adapted to the conditions of the Maribios, was used to develop appropriate land use maps of two (Nos. 3 and 4) of the eight upland watersheds of the Western Maribios. Almost all these uplands need appropriate soil,water and forest conservation measures to remain sustainable under present use or in use according to land capability. For watershed No.3, 5466 ha (11%) and in No. 4, 10342 ha (3,3%) are in a critical state. These critical areas need to be converted ot forestry or otherwise protected. Almost 95% of the rural-based families are either small farmers (50%) owning 1.47 ha or landless share croppers/farm laborers (45%). Since both these groups are subsistence farmers and represent a majority in the rural-based society, special efforts are needed to adapt appropriate conservation technology to their needs, limitations and traditional practices, if present land use or use according to land capability is to remain sustainable in the Maribios uplands.