Benjamin Osei-karikari

Agricultural Land Expansion and Deforestation in the Tropics: a Comparative Review Benjamin Osei-karikari

Tropical rainforests are recognized to harbor the richest biological ecosystems on earth. Again, their significant roles in protecting regional hydrology, capacity to sequester tonnes of carbon and safeguarding global climate cannot be down-sized. But not withstanding these assertions, tropical rainforests still face serious destruction with an estimation of about 13 million hectares being destroyed each year. Agriculture expansion has been reported as a major contributor to almost all deforestation cases in the tropics. In light of these considerations, the central aim of this study was to elucidate the real relationship between agriculture and deforestation in the tropics. This was done critically by reviewing scitentific ariticles that have dwelt extensively on the subject matter, together with the views of the author where necessary. In trying to ascertain ways through which sustainable agriculture and forestry could be realized in the tropics, the study advocates that a progressive adoption of biotic sequestration systems complimented with those of the abiotic systems;forest conservation initiatives, would ensure food security whiles conserving the endowed tropical forests.