Postscript: the ‘population-environment nexus’ and PLEC

PLEC research impinges directly on the so-called ‘population-environment nexus’, working among small farmers in the developing countries, and seeking explanation of why some manage their land and biota well, while others drive them to destruction. In the literature, to which PLEC is adding, there is now growing evidence that population growth can be accompanied by environmental enhancement or recovery, as well as destruction. This evidence, especially from Africa, is reviewed. It is also noted that underlying as well as proximate causes apply in any explanation, and that single factor hypotheses are unlikely to stand the test of close examination. ‘Agrodiversity’, as a characteristic of many small farmersʹ practice, is analysed and contrasted with the ‘agrosimplicity’ yielded by many modern interventions. It is urged in conclusion that the ‘nexus’ is by definition an over-simplification, and that a proper approach both to explanation and for practical improvement of the management of dynamic environments, lies in an approach which pays close attention to farmersʹ own practices and their knowledge.