Economic factors and policies encouraging environmentally detrimental land use practices in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This document first describes the main agroecological zone found in sub-Saharan Africa and the environmental constraints to agricultural production inherent in these zones. This is followed by a description of the main agricultural production systems and land use practices. Factors that have contributed to unsustainable land-use practices, as well as evolving technological needs and policy requirements for sustainable land-use practices are discussed.