ABSTRACT
The worldwide and still growing concern over environmental problems has, thus far, primarily focused on the rapid deterioration and destruction of biological potential and the quality and availability of water. Much less attention has been given to the growing shortage of agricultural land. While in many countries (particularly in Latin America and Africa south of the Sahara) considerable land resources are still a valuable asset for future development, other countries in northern Africa and Asia are learning that a shortage of agricultural land can form a severe bottleneck for future development. This shortage creates problems such as: (a) overpopulation and unemployment in the countryside, encourag-
pasture; (c) increased dependence on the world food market - this means
either dependence on donor countries or a heavy burden on limited foreign exchange reserves.
