What the study found
The study found that cropland followed opposite trends in the two highland regions: it increased gradually in the Uco Valley in Argentina and shrank in the Podhale-Magura Area in Poland. These land-use changes were linked with different local conflict patterns.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that understanding local circumstances is important for protecting and developing highland regions. They also suggest that engaging local communities in development processes may help minimise social tensions and promote inclusive, sustainable development.
What the researchers tested
The researchers examined land-use changes between 1986 and 2023 in two highland regions: the Podhale-Magura Area and the Uco Valley. They used satellite image analysis and in-depth interviews with rural producers and administration representatives.
What worked and what didn't
The study reports clear differences in cropland trajectories between the two regions. The Uco Valley was marked by disputes over resource use and agrarian change, while the Podhale-Magura Area was characterised by tensions over land access, settlement patterns, and relations between communities and newcomers.
What to keep in mind
The findings come from two case studies, so they are location-specific and differ from one place to another. The abstract does not describe additional limitations beyond this scope.
Key points
- Cropland increased in the Uco Valley from 1986 to 2023.
- Cropland decreased in the Podhale-Magura Area over the same period.
- The two regions showed different conflict profiles tied to land-use change.
- The Uco Valley faced disputes over resource use and agrarian change.
- The Podhale-Magura Area faced tensions over land access, settlement patterns, and newcomer relations.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Cropland changed differently in two highland regions
- Authors:
- Anita Kukulska-Kozieł, Facundo Rojas, Selim Bayraktar, Tomasz Noszczyk, Julián Ramírez Guirao, Julia Gorzelany, Osvaldo Sironi, Fernando Ruíz Peyré, Eren Dağra Sökmen, Daniel Roberto Pizzolato, Józef Hernik
- Institutions:
- Austrian Academy of Sciences, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Institute for Interdisciplinary Mountain Research, Instituto de Química del Noroeste Argentino, Instituto de Química del Noroeste Argentino, Instituto de Química del Noroeste Argentino, Istanbul University, Istanbul University, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, National Agricultural Technology Institute, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, University of Agriculture in Krakow, University of Agriculture in Krakow, University of Agriculture in Krakow, University of Agriculture in Krakow
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-05
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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