The causes of tropical deforestation: Rethinking the effects of shifting cultivation, population growth, poverty, and road construction

Abstract

This paper reviews recent advances in studies on the causes of tropical deforestation. It indicates that there has been a reevaluation of the importance of shifting cultivation, population growth, poverty, and road construction which were given as the main causes. It has broadly been believed that population growth and poverty are the driving forces behind tropical deforestation, mostly through shifting cultivation. This idea was examined thoroughly during the 1990s and 2000s. Agricultural expansion is the main factor contributing to tropical deforestation. Empirical evidence now shows that the expansion of commercial and export crops has a greater impact than shifting cultivation. The effects of population pressure and poverty on deforestation are still controversial despite having been the subject of many empirical studies. Evidence supports the notion that road construction has a strong impact on deforestation. It is pointed out that road construction reduces transportation costs and raises agricultural profitability (land rent) in tropical rural areas. This then accelerates deforestation. Von Thünen' s model showing the relationship between land rent and land use has been argued as being a powerful concept to explain deforestation. However the model's shortcomings must be made up for by other theories.