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U.S. Department of Energy
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Cattle are eating the forest

Journal Article · · Bull. At. Sci.; (United States)
World population growth is causing a trend for less-developed countries to become food importers because of short-sighted agricultural practices and land-use policies. Honduras illustrates how population growth pushes farming onto marginal lands. The land used to grow tropical fruit for export is shifting to pasture where cattle are raised for export. Improved transportation links are accelerating this shift. The results of slash-and-mulch cultivation has been to diminish forest and fallow land. Although the short-term effects benefit the landless as well as the land owners, a new class of migrant worker is finding unemployment on the rise, and local populations must compete with cattle for food because the cattle are sold to international meat processors. 17 references. (DCK)
OSTI ID:
6270320
Journal Information:
Bull. At. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Bull. At. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 39:1; ISSN BASIA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English