The population, agriculture and environment nexus in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Over the past thirty years, most of sub-Saharan Africa has experienced very rapid population growth, poor agricultural growth and severe environmental degradation. Increasing concern over these trends and the failure of past efforts to reverse them has led to the decision to review the available research findings and operational experience. The objective of this study is not to compile and address all of the demographic, agricultural and environmental issues facing the countries and people of sub-Saharan Africa. It is, rather, to gain a better understanding of the linkages and mutually reinforcing causes of these three sets of problems. The demographic, agricultural and environmental problems are closely interlinked in a nexus of multiple and mutually reinforcing causality chains. The solutions to these problems are complex, which is why effective responses have not been forthcoming on a wide scale. The study suggests an action plan involving agricultural intensification, measures to increase demand by Africans for smaller families, land tenure reform, conservation efforts to address environmental problems, and actions to deal with the special problems of women. Important themes include the necessity for Africans themselves to lead this process.

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