Population Growth and Natural Resource Use: Do We Need to Despair of Africa?

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Abstract
Population growth can lead to increases in agricultural output per head on a more sustainable basis. This was the conclusion of Boserup in 1965. The powerful mechanisms she identified can be illustrated by a study of Machakos District, Kenya during 1930–1960, which shows that, if policies are supportive, agricultural and non-farm incomes grow faster than even the rapid population growth rate experienced in Africa. Land use capability is not fixed, but can be transformed by investment, new technologies and good management. Lack of investment and consequent degradation are most likely at low population densities. While the study cannot foretell the future, Java illustrates a similar theme at even higher densities. It is essential that research understands the position the farmer has reached, and contributes, with other sources of information, to the technologies he or she can choose.

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