Title: Population-driven changes in land use in developing countries.

POPLINE Document Number: 075287

Author(s):

Bilsborrow RE
Ogendo HW

Source citation:

AMBIO, 1992 Feb;21(1):37-45.

Abstract:

In examining population pressure on land-use patterns, there is discussion of the theories of Thomas Malthus, Kingsley Davis, E. Boserup, and R.E. Bilsborrow. 4 phases of land-use practices are identified: Phase I or tenurial, Phase II or land appropriation of extensification, Phase III or technological, and Phase IV or demographic. Several adjustment stages happen when population pressure is exerted on land use. The first involves the accommodation stage, or attempts to adjust to present and future claims to, and use patterns of, the community. The 2nd is the parcelation or fragmentation stage, where the quality of access remains the same but operational space is reduced. Reclassification is the 3rd stage where access is readjusted. The tenure process attempts to restore equilibrium by granting resources to permanent or traditional members of the community at the expense of other members. Phase II occurs when there is insufficient stocks of land, and reflects cultural or societal flexibility in accepting new technologies. Sometimes access to land rights is suspended during a technological phase. Transgenerational rights are usually preserved and sometimes return migration follows, but there can also be nucleation or privatization of land rights. Phase IV entails fertility reduction through postponement in marriage or reduction in marital fertility, which can happen also in Phases II and III. Context determines the nature of land-tenure changes, the extent to which it occurs, and whether demographic factors are involved. Extensification is more likely when there are greater, arable land resources. The demographic trends in Africa show little change, while in Latin America, population growth has declined along with fertility. In the Third World, land use in agriculture has increased since 1950. Latin American extensification has been practiced; this accounted for 66% of the increase in agricultural output between 1950 and 1975, but declines to 50% occurred due to limited good soil. Further trends in extensification are discussed as well as environmental trends in rural areas. Examples are given for Latin America and Guatemala, where landlessness and inequality of land distribution is a greater problem than in Africa, where Kenya is used to exemplify land-use changes. Knowing the underlying causes of land-use changes is important in understanding environmental degradation. As of 1989, environmental issues were given top priority in Latin America and the Caribbean, but no attention was given to population growth and distribution.

Keywords:

Developing Countries
Latin America
Kenya
Guatemala
Critique
Land Supply
Population Growth
Population Pressure
Soil Degradation
Natural Resources
Decision Making
Total Fertility Rate
Technology
Agricultural Development
Deforestation
Rural Population
Demographic Impact
Changes
Americas
Africa, Eastern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Central America
Environment
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Carrying Capacity
Environmental Degradation
Behavior
Fertility Rate
Birth Rate
Fertility Measurements
Fertility
Economic Factors
Rural Development
Population Characteristics
Social Change