Changing jobs, changing landscapes: Do land use patterns reflect occupational shifts?

Abstract This study examines the interplay between demographic shifts in occupational patterns and corresponding changes in land use practices in the Kamrup district of Assam, India during 2010 and 2024. Through extensive field surveys and data analysis across villages in the district, the research identifies significant declines in traditional occupations such as farming and fishing, alongside notable growth in non‐traditional sectors including service, business and labour. These shifts reflect broader socio‐economic transformations driven by environmental factors like recurrent floods, economic pressures, educational advancements and governmental policies like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Consequently, there has been a reduction in agricultural land and an increase in fallow lands and vegetation cover, impacting soil health and biodiversity. The findings underscore the district's adaptation to economic and environmental challenges, reshaping local landscapes and livelihood strategies. Policy recommendations emphasise sustainable agricultural practices, resilience against natural disasters, and inclusive socio‐economic development to support ongoing transitions and foster community resilience in rural Assam.