THE CAUSES OF TROPICAL DEFORESTATION IN ECUADOR - A STATISTICAL-ANALYSIS

This paper reports a statistical analysis of the causes of agricultural colonization and land clearing in eastern Ecuador. The results bolster many of the arguments that have been made about the social forces driving tropical deforestation. In general, the prospect of capturing agricultural rents stimulates settlement of tree-covered hinterlands. Accordingly, the presence of roads and urban centers attracts rural settlement. Colonists also prefer to go where soils are suitable for crop or livestock production, all else remaining the same. In addition to being a function of population pressure, the extent of land clearing is shown to be a consequence of tenure insecurity. These results suggest that institutional reform is needed to encourage conservation of tropical forests. © 1991.