Spatio-Temporal Analysis of LULC Change and Its Impacts on Socio-Economic Conditions in Lamka Town, India

Abstract

This study examined the spatio-temporal changes in land use and land cover (LULC) and their perceived socio-economic implications in Lamka Town, Churachandpur District, Manipur, India. The analysis combined geospatial assessment with primary survey data collected from 100 randomly selected respondents through a structured questionnaire. Responses were measured using a five-point Likert scale to assess perceptions across cultural, economic and livelihood, environmental, and social-political institutional domains. The LULC assessment indicated substantial landscape transformation between 1995 and 2025. Vegetation cover declined from 401 km² (67.17%) in 1995 to 118 km² (19.77%) in 2025, while built-up area increased from 48 km² (8.04%) to 170 km² (28.47%). Jhum land also expanded from 93 km² (15.57%) to 279 km² (46.73%), indicating the continued relevance of shifting cultivation practices in the study area. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS and included descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha reliability analysis and multiple regression analysis. The reliability coefficients for the four thematic domains ranged from 0.80 to 0.85, indicating acceptable internal consistency. The regression model was statistically significant (F = 8.72, p < 0.001) and explained 46% of the variation in livelihood conditions (R² = 0.460; adjusted R² = 0.438). LULC perception and economic-livelihood factors were the strongest predictors of livelihood conditions, whereas institutional factors showed a weaker and statistically non-significant effect. The findings indicate increasing pressure on natural resources and underline the need for integrated land-use planning, livelihood diversification and strengthened institutional support in Lamka Town.