ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we shall develop a simple model which expresses the relationship between the key constraints of rainfall, bioproductivity, labour and capital, households’ responses to these constraints through managing diversity, flexibility and adaptability, and the outcomes of such management. We will outline our method of analysis of the linkages between the management of labour and natural resources, linkages which are the focus of this book. We revert to the biogeographical definition, which includes a substantial portion of northern Nigeria and smaller parts of Ghana and Cameroon.
