Land use changes in tropical watersheds: causes, consequences and policy options synthesis

Causes Population pressure precipitating area expansion - inadequate labor absorption leading to in-migration Policies and relative prices that favor annual crops - erosion, high rates of chemical input use Weak institutions - difficulty in influencing activity and encroachment Weak knowledge base - unforeseen consequences 50% roads, 50% crops?

Consequences Land and water degradation - soil erosion, sedimentation, e. coli, pesticides - enhanced knowledge of consequences Economic growth - prosperity? - growth of off-farm labor market opportunities (out-migration? reduced forest pressure?) - increased capacity to intensify agriculture - increased capacity to deal with problems Community response, growth of special interest groups Regional and national policy responses

Policy Options Strengthen property rights - enhanced adoption of trees and SWC measures Strengthen local knowledge and local institutions Coordinate local and national policies - are policies to encourage economic growth and environmental protection aligned? Re-orient relative prices Refine and target “hot-spots” - land use zoning, restrictions Pursue labor-intensive economic growth