Main Geographical Factors of Settlement Patterns and Natural Resource Use in Mountain Region: The Kvemo (Lower) Svaneti (Lentekhi Municipality) Case

In Kvemo (Lower) Svaneti, geographical conditions and natural resource use significantly shape settlement patterns and agricultural practices. The study identified 15 distinct landscape units using GIS technology, revealing that 43% of the region lies above 1000 meters in elevation. Livestock farming dominates agriculture, with pastures and haylands covering 92.4% of agricultural land, while crop farming is limited to areas below 900 meters. The research also highlights a trend of increasing abandoned villages, with 83% of the population residing in small settlements of up to 200 dwellers. Traditional practices play a crucial role in sustaining livestock farming, contributing to the region's unique cultural and economic landscape.

Salukvadze, E., & Chaladze, T. (2025). Main Geographical Factors of Settlement Patterns and Natural Resource Use in Mountain Region: The Kvemo (Lower) Svaneti (Lentekhi Municipality) Case. Georgian Geographical Journal. CLOCKSS. https://doi.org/10.52340/ggj.2025.05.01.04