Understanding and assessing land degradation - Comments on research in Chuquisaca, Bolivia

Abstract

A recent paper in this journal offers observations and research findings on apparent land degradation in three areas of the Andean valleys in the Department of Chuquisaca, Bolivia. It is suggested that the evidence of an increase in degradation during the past 40 years is unconvincing and a possible link with population increase is inconclusive. The landscape is naturally one where land degradation is frequently visible, sometimes catastrophic, and widespread, whatever the use of natural resources by humans. The paper is potentially valuable for its used of data based on farmer consultation but fails to recognise that farming is only one of many activities for rural household. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.