Dynamics and Impact of Land-Use/Land-Cover Transition in the Tropical Areas: A Case Study in the Center of Vietnam

This study analyzed the land-use/land-cover (LULC) change from 1980 to 2020 in the central of Vietnam. The conversion in LULC and deforestation over the last 40 years has been implemented by using remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) combined with social investigation methods. The converted forest area was about 46,805 ha, corresponding to 20.35%. In contrast, the perennial crops and built-up land have increased by 30,147.37 ha, accounting for 13.11% and 10.6%, respectively. The study results show that the main driving force of LULC change in the study area is economic development and land policies. Also, difficulties in changing livelihoods because of LULC change include lack of capital (28.0%), lack of job experience (25.0%), and risks (21.0%). Some suggestions for further studies have been proposed, including risks of natural disasters and local livelihood.