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Adaptation to Rising Population Density: Voices from Rural Kenya

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dc.contributor.author Kyalo Willy, Daniel
dc.contributor.author Muyanga, Milu
dc.contributor.author Jayne, T.S.
dc.date.issued 2015
dc.date.accessioned 2021-03-30T08:28:21Z
dc.date.available 2021-03-30T08:28:21Z
dc.identifier.uri http://41.89.96.81:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2355
dc.description.abstract Abstract This study provides empirical evidence on the link between population density and agricultural intensification and other strategies that rural communities use to adapt to increasing population density. The qualitative data used in this study were collected through Focus group discussions (FGDs) among experienced community members who provided historical accounts on the dynamics of rural communities and transitions in agriculture that can be linked to scarcity of land associated with population density growth. The results generated by this study offer some insights on the link between population density growth and agricultural development. The study finds evidence of a Boserupian type of agricultural transformation in rural Kenya. Rural communities mainly responded to scarcity of land through agricultural intensification, migration and off farm diversification. Unsustainable land fragmentation, decline in agricultural outputs and incomes and deterioration in soil quality were cited as key phenomena accompanying the strategies adopted in response to population density growth. From the results we draw some policy implications that can provide insights to policy makers to guide sustainable agricultural development in the densely populated areas which include reversal of land fragmentation, improved market access, proper use of fertilizers and land policies that encourage migration into scarcely populated areas. Keywords: population density; agricultural intensification; sustainable en_US
dc.description.sponsorship United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Kenya office through the TAPPRA II project and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation under the Guiding Investment in Sustainable Agricultural Intensification in Africa (GISAIA) project with Michigan State University en_US
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.publisher Tegemeo Institute en_US
dc.subject Rising Population Density -- Rural Kenya en_US
dc.title Adaptation to Rising Population Density: Voices from Rural Kenya en_US
dc.title.alternative Working Paper 54 en_US
dc.type Working Paper en_US


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  • Tegemeo Institute [96]
    Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development is a policy research institute under the Division of Research and Extension ofEgerton University. The Institute is established under Statute 23 (14-t) of the Egerton University Statutes, 2013 under the Universities Act , 2012 (No. 42 of 2012) and its Instruments.

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