Exploring the Linkages of Deforestation and Population Dynamics: a Case Study of Assam in India

Growth of population and its dynamics e.g. immigration , urbanisation etc are some of the fundamental drivers of changing land use pattern. They influence the interplay of demand and supply factors behind the process of deforestation. In this paper , the possible linkages of population dynamics and deforestation have been mapped out. By adopting the State model which links deforestation and population density , an attempt has been made to test this relationship for Assam province of India. Further , a causal analysis of deforestation in terms of population density , livestock , out turn of timber has been done. Different econometric relationships sufficiently establish inverse relationship between the forest area and population density in the State.