ABSTRACT
Massive degradation of natural resources, including forests, rangeland and irrigation water, has been taking place in the Third World. The growing popu lation has increased demand for land, trees and water, which, coupled with tenure insecurity or the absence of clear property rights, has resulted in the overexploitation of these natural resources (Deacon, 1994). This in turn has threatened the sustainable development of agriculture, forestry and livestock sectors. The critical question is whether the current trend will continue and result in further degradation of natural resources and, ultimately, significant deterioration of human welfare.
