A Review of the Environmental Impacts of Agriculture in the Developing World: Lessons for South Africa

Abstract

This article reviews the existing work on environmental degradation resulting from agricultural practices in the developing world, and presents the empiricalfacts andfigures thereon. This is followed by the identification and analysis of the underlying factors, causes and effects of the agricultural environmental degradation in these regions. The "subsistence effects" which arise from poverty and the changing face of subsistence farming; the 'green revolution effects" which arise from the adoption of green revolution technology, and the "externality effects" which arise from the consumption of common proprty are identified as some of the main underlying factors that determine the environmental impacts of agriculture in developing areas. The above factors, the macrosocial and microsocial factors that determine the adoption of conservation practices, and the short-and long-term implications of government policies in the developing countries are deemed some of the most important considerations for environmental policy analysis and decision-making at national and international levels. Environmental policies directed at the developing regions of South Africa are then suggested, based on the said considerations.