Determinants of farmland expansion in the forest margins of Ethiopia

Forest clearing is a severe problem in most developing nations. To date, much of the deforestation in the tropics is driven by agricultural expansion, primarily as a result of converting forestland for crop production. 

This briefing, released as part of the Sentinel project, covers highlights from a forthcoming study showing that, regardless of the sources, agricultural intensification practices can serve to mitigate farmland expansion. It also shows that the level of market participation is an important factor as market-oriented approaches can enhance agricultural intensification.