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Local perspectives on gully erosion: a comparative study of farmers and non-farmers in the Chotanagpur plateau fringe, West Bengal

Author

Listed:
  • Md Hasanuzzaman

    (Raja N. L. Khan Women’s College, Vidyasagar University
    Raja N. L. Khan Women’s College (Autonomous))

  • Pravat Kumar Shit

    (Raja N. L. Khan Women’s College, Vidyasagar University)

  • Javed Mallick

    (King Khalid University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

  • Saeed Alqadhi

    (King Khalid University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

  • Swapan Talukdar

    (Asutosh College, University of Calcutta)

Abstract

Soil erosion especially gully erosion is a significant global agricultural challenge, including in India. In West Bengal, about 30.10% of land faces degradation, particularly along the eastern fringes of the Chotanagpur Plateau. While much research has focused on gully morphology, geometry, and susceptibility mapping, there is a notable gap in studies addressing local perceptions of gully erosion, both globally and in India. This research addresses that gap by examining the perceptions of farmers and non-farmers regarding gully erosion, its causes, impacts, and potential mitigation strategies. Data was collected through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions involving 367 households from 40 villages. The findings reveal that 91% of farmers recognize the severity of gully erosion, compared to just 73% of non-farmers. Based on principal component analysis, farmers primarily attribute the problem to surface runoff (11.6%), while non-farmers cite road construction (10.8%). Farmers perceive soil loss (11.7%) as the major impact, whereas non-farmers focus on declining property values (11%). Regarding solutions, 11.6% of farmers consider cover crops highly effective, compared to 9.9% of non-farmers who prefer crop rotation. Farmers favor native species like Sal, Petsa, Dhau, and Mahua over Eucalyptus and Acacia, with Evolvulus nummularia identified as particularly effective. Multi-correlation analysis reveals that gully erosion involves multiple interrelated factors, with no single cause or solution. Farmers, due to their practical experience and scientific knowledge, have a better understanding of gully erosion than non-farmers. Incorporating farmers’ insights can enhance erosion control strategies and inform policymakers for more effective decision-making.

Suggested Citation

  • Md Hasanuzzaman & Pravat Kumar Shit & Javed Mallick & Saeed Alqadhi & Swapan Talukdar, 2025. "Local perspectives on gully erosion: a comparative study of farmers and non-farmers in the Chotanagpur plateau fringe, West Bengal," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 121(6), pages 6677-6697, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:121:y:2025:i:6:d:10.1007_s11069-024-07026-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-024-07026-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Md Hasanuzzaman & Pravat Kumar Shit & Saeed Alqadhi & Hussein Almohamad & Fahdah Falah ben Hasher & Hazem Ghassan Abdo & Javed Mallick, 2024. "Utilizing Machine Learning Algorithms for the Development of Gully Erosion Susceptibility Maps: Evidence from the Chotanagpur Plateau Region, India," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-20, July.
    2. Mary Angelica Painter & Sameer H. Shah & Gwendolyn C. Damestoit & Fariha Khalid & Wendy Prudencio & Musabber Ali Chisty & Fernando Tormos-Aponte & Olga Wilhelmi, 2024. "A systematic scoping review of the Social Vulnerability Index as applied to natural hazards," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 120(8), pages 7265-7356, June.
    3. Ion Ionita & Lilian Niacsu & Gabriel Petrovici & Ana Blebea-Apostu, 2015. "Gully development in eastern Romania: a case study from Falciu Hills," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 79(1), pages 113-138, November.
    4. S. Mashi & A. Yaro & E. Jenkwe, 2015. "Causes and consequences of gully erosion: perspectives of the local people in Dangara area, Nigeria," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 17(6), pages 1431-1450, December.
    5. Timothy Titus & D. Robertson & J. B. Sankey & L. Mastin & F. Rengers, 2023. "A review of common natural disasters as analogs for asteroid impact effects and cascading hazards," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 116(2), pages 1355-1402, March.
    6. Subodh Chandra Pal & Rabin Chakrabortty & Alireza Arabameri & M. Santosh & Asish Saha & Indrajit Chowdhuri & Paramita Roy & Manisa Shit, 2022. "Chemical weathering and gully erosion causing land degradation in a complex river basin of Eastern India: an integrated field, analytical and artificial intelligence approach," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 110(2), pages 847-879, January.
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