Population, tenure, and natural resource management: The case of customaryland area in Malawi

This paper analyzes the factors determining conversion of woodlands to agri cultural land. changes in tree cover, and maize yield for the last two and a half decades by using aerial photos and field survey data in 57 communiti es in Malawi. The econometric analysis revealed that population pressure le d to greater land conversion but had no effect on yield or tree cover chang es. Areas where greater changes in traditional tenure systems have occurred are associated with reduction in tree cover and expansion of agricultural land. These results suggest the importance of strengthening institutions to manage natural resources. (C) 2000 Academic Press.