title: Population growth and natural resource use:  do we need to despair of Africa?.
abstract: The authors make the case that population growth can lead to increases in agricultural output per head on a sustainable basis.  This argument, originally developed by E. Boserup, is "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."
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tiffen
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mortimore
mesh_terms: D000349:Africa; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D000351:Africa, Eastern; D000383:Agriculture; D001208:Asia; D001210:Asia, Southeastern; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D003710:Demography; D003906:Developing Countries; D004467:Economics; D004777:Environment; D005376:Financial Management; D007214:Indonesia; D007449:Investments; D007630:Kenya; D011153:Population; D011157:Population Dynamics; D011158:Population Growth; D012939:Social Planning
keywords: Africa; Africa South Of The Sahara; Agricultural Development; Asia; Carrying Capacity; Demographic Factors; Developing Countries; Eastern Africa; Economic Factors; English Speaking Africa; Environment; Financial Activities; Indonesia; Investments; Kenya; Land Supply; Natural Resources; Population; Population Dynamics; Population Growth; Rural Development; Southeastern Asia