ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the location of REDD projects and the direct and indirect causes of deforestation and forest degradation. It analyzes the underlying causes of deforestation, linking the debate on deforestation and forest degradation to the global economy. The chapter presents 12 case studies to identify drivers of deforestation in the different countries and regions. Anthropogenic drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in Latin America and the Caribbean are mainly centered on large-scale agricultural expansion, small-scale agricultural expansion, and cattle ranching. While commercial logging and cattle ranching are the main causes of deforestation in other parts of the world, the leading causes in Africa are associated with human activity. The drivers of deforestation are complex and vary within countries, from country to country as well as from region to region. In Latin America commercial agriculture and commercial livestock production are the major causes of deforestation, and in Africa commercial agriculture, logging, and human settlement are major drivers of deforestation.
