Sustainable land use in mountainous regions of Southeast Asia

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Mountainous regions are crucial ecosystems, serving as vital sources of fresh water, energy, biodiversity, and food for local populations. These areas are ecologically complex and vulnerable, characterized by significant ethnic, socio-cultural, and economic diversity. However, they face increasing pressures from population growth, migration, resource exploitation, and rising demands. This situation contributes to widespread poverty and food insecurity in rural communities. Given their importance and challenges, mountainous regions present a unique challenge for agricultural research focused on environmental sustainability, poverty alleviation, and food security. The University of Hohenheim’s long-term research initiative, “Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountainous Regions of Southeast Asia,” addresses these issues through an integrated interdisciplinary approach. This program examines sustainable innovations in agricultural production systems that combine fruit trees, crops, livestock, and aquaculture, while also considering their interactions with soil, water, and agrochemical use. Additionally, the research explores the impacts on landscape diversity and the dynamics of pests and beneficial insects. Further along the agricultural value chain, the program investigates opportunities for product conservation, processing, and marketing.