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Effects of Population Growth on Smallholder Farmers' Productivity and Consumption in Rwanda: A Long-term Analysis

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  • Musafiri, Ildephonse

Abstract

The study investigates the impact of population growth on agricultural change, particularly on agricultural intensification, farm productivity and household welfare. We use a unique panel dataset that spans a 26 year-period, constructed from two waves of household surveys conducted in the northwest district of Rwanda (Nyabihu). The study finds much support for Boserupian land intensification hypothesis in the sample area. The results suggest that, demographic variables (such as household size) are highly associated with input intensity and agricultural productivity. However, the inverse correlation between family size and annual expenditure per capita warns for a sound population policy in the near future. In the long run, over intensive cultivation resulting from population pressure is likely to have decreasing effects on land productivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Musafiri, Ildephonse, 2016. "Effects of Population Growth on Smallholder Farmers' Productivity and Consumption in Rwanda: A Long-term Analysis," Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, vol. 12(4).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:ajaees:357197
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    File URL: https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/357197/files/Musafiri1242016AJAEES27693.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Diao, Xinshen & Fan, Shenggen & Yu, Bingxin & Kanyarukiga, Sam, 2007. "Agricultural growth and investment options for poverty reduction in Rwanda," IFPRI discussion papers 689, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    2. Ansoms, An & McKay, Andrew, 2010. "A quantitative analysis of poverty and livelihood profiles: The case of rural Rwanda," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 35(6), pages 584-598, December.
    3. Diao, Xinshen & Nwafor, Manson & Alpuerto, Vida & Akramov, Kamiljon T. & Salau, Sheu, 2010. "Agricultural growth and investment options for poverty reduction in Nigeria," IFPRI discussion papers 954, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    4. Blanken, Juergen & Haen, Hartwig de & von Braun, Joachim, 1991. "Commercialization of agriculture under population pressure: effects on production, and nutrition in Rwanda," Research reports 85, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    5. McKay, Andrew & Loveridge, Scott, 2005. "Exploring The Paradox Of Rwandan Agricultural Household Income And Nutritional Outcomes In 1990 And 2000," Staff Paper Series 11582, Michigan State University, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.
    6. Andre, Catherine & Platteau, Jean-Philippe, 1998. "Land relations under unbearable stress: Rwanda caught in the Malthusian trap," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 34(1), pages 1-47, January.
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