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Global Commodity Markets, Chinese Demand for Maize, and Deforestation in Northern Myanmar

Author

Listed:
  • Enze Han

    (Department of Politics and Public Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Qiongyu Huang

    (Conservation GIS Laboratory, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Fort Royal, VA 22630, USA)

Abstract

This paper makes a significant contribution to understanding the logic of deforestation in Northern Myanmar and connects global trends and regional political economy with local environmental changes. Methodologically, through a combination of remote sensing GIS analysis, for which we use a newly available Myanmar Forest Change dataset produced by TerraPulse and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, as well as on-the-ground field research observations and interviews with farmers, this paper examines how the expansion of maize plantations in the northern part of Myanmar has implications for deforestation in the region. It argues that a combination of global commodity price shock around 2011–2012 plus easy market access to China generated strong incentives for local farmers to increase the cultivation of maize. The paper contributes to how we understand the environmental impacts of Chinese demands for agricultural products in Southeast Asia.

Suggested Citation

  • Enze Han & Qiongyu Huang, 2021. "Global Commodity Markets, Chinese Demand for Maize, and Deforestation in Northern Myanmar," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:10:y:2021:i:11:p:1232-:d:676985
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Martin Rudbeck Jepsen & Matilda Palm & Thilde Bech Bruun, 2019. "What Awaits Myanmar’s Uplands Farmers? Lessons Learned from Mainland Southeast Asia," Land, MDPI, vol. 8(2), pages 1-23, February.
    3. Kallio, Maarit Helena & Hogarth, Nicholas John & Moeliono, Moira & Brockhaus, Maria & Cole, Robert & Waty Bong, Indah & Wong, Grace Yee, 2019. "The colour of maize: Visions of green growth and farmers perceptions in northern Laos," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 185-194.
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    6. Dong, Min & He, Jun, 2018. "Linking the past to the future: A reality check on cross-border timber trade from Myanmar (Burma) to China," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 11-19.
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