Spatial patterns and processes of bamboo expansion in Southern China

Abstract This paper analyzes the spatial distribution and patterns of land use change associated with expansion of bamboo production in three important bamboo-producing counties (Anji, Pingjiang and Muchuan) along a development gradient in China. Existing and new bamboo plantations tend to be located at higher elevation and on sloping lands around formerly established plantations, with different patterns of expansion related to the level of development of the bamboo industry and general economic development in the county. Distance to factory is more important for low value-added products where raw material represents a high percentage of production costs.