Population pressures and agricultural development in developing countries: A conceptual framework and recent evidence

Abstract

The purpose of this paper are (a) to develop a more comprehensive conceptual approach for investigating the responses to increases in rural population density in developing countries; and (b) to present recent empirical evidence illustrating these responses. The variety of responses is empirically illustrated for broad regions in developing countries, including increases in arable land, land intensification, out-migration, and fertility decline, though the focus is on the economic changes. Viewing the economic changes both across countries and over time suggests wide scope for further increases in agricultural output, even with existing technology. Nevertheless, prospects for raising living standards in the developing countries are better with slower rates of population growth.