Regional land use analysis: the development of operational tools

Regional land use analysis plays a key role in the analysis of agricultural policies. However, few operational tools for regional land use analysis are available. Current developments in regional land use analysis are rather ad hoc. More generic methodologies are required to effectively answer questions by policy makers. The analysis may require methods to explore, project and predict agricultural land use. An all-encompassing methodology seems unrealistic. A toolbox for regional land use analysis is proposed. The tools (including e.g. database management systems, GIS and economic models) can be linked in such a way that they can carry out the analysis required for the specific conditions of stakeholders. To facilitate linkages between the different tools, data standards need to be developed for both bio-physical as well as economic data. Discussions with stakeholders in an early phase of the analysis may set priorities and determine the selection of tools. Results of the analysis need to be presented in such a way that they are appealing to the stakeholders. Only then can they be transferred effectively. The general framework is illustrated with a methodology for regional land use analysis in terms of economic and environmental trade-offs. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.