ABSTRACT
Inadequate management of natural resources can result in irreversible losses that will have negative economic and social effects. Resource conservation raises several broad policy issues, how to prolong the useful life of natural resource base, how to avoid irreversible damages to it and how to maintain options for future generations. To achieve optimum conservation of soil resources, planners need to identify the main soil conservation needs. The management of natural resources, including soil, requires new approaches. Land should be regarded as an asset, not simply a factor of production and it should be understood that irreversible losses of soil will narrow the options of developing countries. Existing natural resources, including soil, are ignored in the formulation of macroeconomic policies. Most of the energy needs of low-income rural and urban households in developing countries are satisfied through consumption of fuelwood. A major policy issue faced by several countries involves the potential resettlement of farmers in areas of potentially higher land productivity.
