Does poverty constrain deforestation? Econometric evidence from Peru

Type Journal Article - Journal of Development Economics
Title Does poverty constrain deforestation? Econometric evidence from Peru
Author(s)
Volume 84
Issue 1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2007
Page numbers 330 -
URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6VBV-4KNMB9H-2/2/c12f11fffdb39b0fdf2d9ac20e40b257
Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between income and land clearing for households living in tropical forest regions. A simple model of the agricultural household that clears land for agriculture is developed to investigate the relationship between lagged income and cleared land holdings. Analysis of panel data from Peru suggests that lagged income is positively correlated with clearing, though at a decreasing rate, and, because of labor market constraints, clearing is positively correlated with household labor availability. This work suggests that small increases in the incomes of the poorest are unlikely to reduce deforestation in this context.

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