Conclusions: So What?

Abstract

This chapter provides a synthesis of the main study findings. It offers further considerations and recommendations for policy and research. The study used remote-sensing and perception analysis to assess causes and consequences of land-use change in the Lowland region (Chaps. 4 and 5). A theoretical framework proposed in Chap. 2, and refined in Chap. 6 set the conceptual basis for the study. Within this context, the analysis’ findings were tested vis-à-vis the study hypothesis, challenging commonly-held views about land-use change in the Lowland region, and Lesotho in general. This chapter provides a summary of the main findings. These findings aim to contribute to improved understanding and knowledge about the causes and consequences of land-use change in the Lowland region of Lesotho in particular, and by implication, shed light on plausible explanations of similar occurrences in Lesotho and perhaps in other similar semi-arid regions in sub-Sahara Africa. Human wellbeing, health, access to food and nutrition, the environment on which we depend for our survival, institutions and our socio-economies, are critical factors, some of which cause, and/or are effected by changes in land-use.