Stabilization of Lateritic Silty Clays with Common Stabilizing Agents.

This article analyses the mechanisms behind changes in agricultural land use. Intensification of land use on the one hand, and abandonment on the other have had important consequences for landscape and biodiversity. The basic mechanism behind it is a change in the relative prices of inputs and output. In this sense the general economic developments have been determining the changes in agricultural land use. In Nigeria, the rapid increase in the opportunity costs of labour was the main factor behind mechanization and intensification of agriculture. Also, the Common Agricultural Policy of the country has stimulated intensification. Recent policy developments have cut down important incentives for further intensification. This, however, does not solve the problem of the decline of low input agricultural systems in Nigeria. The only way to maintain them is by specific nature-enhancing policies.