An important evaluation problem in developing countries is assessing the value and optimal use of environmental resources as inputs into production. This is a key methodology required for many general evaluation approaches, e.g. ensuring the most efficient use of a resource requires...

This paper explores the link between poverty and resource allocation, including the management of natural resources, by chronically indebted rural smallholders in developing countries. The paper proposes a formal intertemporal model of a credit constrained farm household that can invest in...

An empirical investigation is undertaken into the impact of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) on Forest and biodiversity loss in Ghana between the period 1965-1995. In the first part of the analysis, a four-equation recursive model, consisting of forest loss, cocoa land, maize land and...

Nutrient enrichment of marine ecosystems is regarded as a pressing global environmental problem. For certain marine species it may be a mixed blessing, resulting in damaging ecosystem events, but contributing to primary productivity. Consequently, the impact of enrichment on fishery profits may...

This paper uses panel analyses to estimate relationships for agricultural planted area and beef cattle numbers at the state level in Mexico during the periods 1970-85, in order to determine the main factors affecting forest land conversion. Of the key policy variables, maize and fertilizer...

We model biological invasions as an unintended by-product of capital accumulation. We distinguish three spillover effects: (1) a negative production externality, (2) a negative or positive consumption externality and (3) an increase in the risk of future welfare loss. We also consider the...

This paper both introduces the special issue on the economics of tropical deforestation and land use and conducts a synthesis crosscountry analysis of tropical agricultural land expansion. Agricultural development is the main factor determining land expansion, but institutional factors have an...