Challenges and Pathways for Sustainable Development in Global Land Use Systems: A Narrative Review-Scilight

Land Management and Utilization

Review Article

Challenges and Pathways for Sustainable Development in Global Land Use Systems: A Narrative Review

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https://doi.org/10.54963/lmu.v1i1.1474
Volume 1 Issue 1 (2025)

Authors

  • Isaac Sarfo

    College of Geography and Environmental Science, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China Organization of African Academic Doctors (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, Nairobi P.O. Box 25305-00100, Kenya
  • Nana Adwoa Anokye Effah

    School of Management, Northwestern Polytechnic University, Xi’an 710072, China
  • Michael Atuahene Djan

    Department of Geography, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA
  • Michael Kpakpo Allotey

    Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon P. O Box LG 25, Ghana
  • Emmanuel Yeboah

    School of Remote Sensing and Geomatics Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
  • Dhekra Ben Amara

    College of Geography and Environmental Science, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
  • Matovu Baker

    Amrita School for Sustainable Futures, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Clappana P. O. Kollam, Kerala 690525, India
  • Anita Boah

    Department of Public Health and Allied Sciences, Catholic University, Sunyani P. 0. Box 363, Ghana
  • Priscilla Atta Djaba

    Environmental Protection Agency, Accra GP 1613, Ghana
  • Godknows Harrison Xeflide

    Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon P. O Box LG 25, Ghana

Land is essential for the flourishing of human civilizations. It is a complex interplay of natural processes, socio-economic dynamics, and environmental sustainability. Hence, it influences policy, research, and practice. This study critically reviews the literature about the challenges and issues currently explored for sustainable development in global land use systems based on an extensive bibliographic database from the Web of Science. It explores the complex world of global land use system development, examining research trends, tools, and future directions. This study’s findings indicate that current research trends emphasize the use of emerging digital technologies, including geospatial and informatics techniques, Geo-detectors, regression models, artificial intelligence, and socio-economic models. These tools are instrumental in addressing the challenges posed by land use change at various scales. They enable us to effectively identify, track, and enhance our understanding of the sustainability, science, and management of land use systems. The studies reviewed offer valuable support for initiatives aimed at adopting innovative theories, methods, instruments, and procedures to tackle land use and sustainability issues related to natural resources globally. Furthermore, new fields within land use systems are increasingly recognized for their potential to transform traditional practices, strengthen urban-rural linkages, and contribute to the realization of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. This recognition stems from the multidisciplinary nature of the discipline.

Keywords:

Current Issues; Global; Land Cover; Land Management; Land Use; Sustainable Development

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