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Social and Ecological Determinants of Land Clearing in the Brazilian Amazon: A Spatial Analysis

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  • Winslow D. Hanse
  • Helen T. Naughton

Abstract

While tropical land clearing provides for the livelihoods of Brazilians from many socioeconomic backgrounds, it also affects climatological and ecological processes. To develop sustainable forest use, further study is needed to investigate the causes of tropical land clearing. This study uses spatial econometric techniques to estimate the effects of ecosystem productivity, measured by soil fertility and climate, and strategic interactions on municipal-level land clearing in the Brazilian Legal Amazon between 1975 and 1995. We find a negative relationship between soil fertility and land clearing. Furthermore, there is evidence of positive spatial interactions across municipalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Winslow D. Hanse & Helen T. Naughton, 2013. "Social and Ecological Determinants of Land Clearing in the Brazilian Amazon: A Spatial Analysis," Land Economics, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 89(4), pages 699-721.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:landec:v:89:y:2013:iv:1:p:699-721
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    Cited by:

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    2. Wang, Haoluan & Qiu, Feng, 2016. "Investigating the Spatial Effects of Agricultural Land Abandonment and Expansion," 2016 Annual Meeting, July 31-August 2, Boston, Massachusetts 235468, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • Q24 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Land

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