The Social Ecology of Tropical Forests: Migration, Populations and Frontiers

The Social Ecology of Tropical Forests brings together various analyses from the three major tropical regions-Southeast Asia, the Amazon basin, and Sub-Saharan Africa-and by challenging simplistic correlations, the authors explore the complex relationships between deforestation and migration. The book provides both an historical overview of migration into these regions, and presents contemporary case studies to reveal the complex interplay of factors motivating migration. The scope of the discussion is extensive, covering historical issues such as the impact of the slave trade on Sub-Saharan African forests and communities, and contemporary dilemmas like the over-exploitation of natural forest products in Vietnam. The authors look at the broader picture of intertwining political, social, geographical, environmental, and historical influences, without seeking quick-fix solutions to the social and environmental issues arising from increasing forest cover loss. The analyses are spatially and temporally contextualized, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative data to provide a useful resource for studying the societies of tropical regions and their social ecology.