Understanding India’s Sustainable Land Management Research Landscape: Productivity, Collaboration, and Emerging Themes (2016–2025)

Year : 2026 | Volume : 03 | Issue : 01 | Page : 17 27
    By

    Muneer Ahmad,

  • Undie Felicia Nkatv,

  • Gorrety Maria Juma,

  • Sajid Saleem,

  1. Chief University Librarian, The Iddi Basajjabalaba Memorial Library, Kampala International University, Box 20000, Ggaba Road, Kansanga, Uganda
  2. Ag. Deputy Librarian, The Iddi Basajjabalaba Memorial Library, Kampala International University, Box 20000, Ggaba Road, Kansanga, Uganda
  3. Deputy Librarian, The Iddi Basajjabalaba Memorial Library, Kampala International University, Box 20000, Ggaba Road, Kansanga, Uganda
  4. Lecturer, Department IT, SOMAC, Kampala International University, Box 20000, Ggaba Road,, Kansanga, Uganda

Abstract

Sustainable Land Management (SLM) has emerged as a critical research domain in India due to increasing land degradation, climate variability, population pressure, and competing land-use demands. Understanding the evolution, structure, and impact of scholarly research in this field is essential for guiding future research and policy interventions. This study presents a comprehensive scientometric assessment of India’s SLM research output during the period 2016–2025. Bibliographic data comprising 1,560 records were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and analyzed using HistCite software to examine publication growth, authorship patterns, institutional contributions, source journals, document types, and international collaboration. Results reveal substantial and accelerating growth in SLM research, particularly after 2020, reflecting heightened policy relevance and interdisciplinary engagement. Journal articles dominate the literature, while review papers demonstrate disproportionately high citation impact, underscoring their role in knowledge synthesis. A small group of prolific authors and leading institutions, including IITs, agricultural research organizations, and major universities, contribute significantly to research productivity and influence. High-impact international journals play a central role in disseminating Indian SLM research globally. Collaboration analysis highlights strong research linkages with countries such as the United States, China, Australia, and the United Kingdom, enhancing citation visibility and scholarly impact. Overall, the study provides a structured overview of India’s SLM research landscape, identifies emerging trends and influential contributors, and offers evidence-based insights to support strategic research planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainable land-use policy development.

Keywords: Citation analysis, India, international collaboration, research productivity, scientometrics, sustainable land management

[This article belongs to International Journal of Land ]

How to cite this article:
Muneer Ahmad, Undie Felicia Nkatv, Gorrety Maria Juma, Sajid Saleem. Understanding India’s Sustainable Land Management Research Landscape: Productivity, Collaboration, and Emerging Themes (2016–2025). International Journal of Land. 2026; 03(01):17-27.
How to cite this URL:
Muneer Ahmad, Undie Felicia Nkatv, Gorrety Maria Juma, Sajid Saleem. Understanding India’s Sustainable Land Management Research Landscape: Productivity, Collaboration, and Emerging Themes (2016–2025). International Journal of Land. 2026; 03(01):17-27. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijl/article=2026/view=237136


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 03
Issue 01
Received 17/12/2025
Accepted 26/01/2026
Published 18/02/2026
Publication Time 63 Days
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