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| Paul R Sharp and Jacob L Weisdorf |
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| ''A malthusian model for all seasons'' |
| ( 2009, Vol. 29 No.2 ) |
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| An issue often discussed in relation to agricultural development is the effect on agricultural labour productivity of more intensive land-use. Introducing aspects of seasonality into a stylized Malthusian model, we unify two diverging views by showing that labour productivity may go up or down with agricultural intensification, depending on whether technological progress emerges in relation to cultivation or harvesting activities. Our result rests on evidence reported by Boserup (1965) and others, which suggests that harvest seasons in traditional agriculture are characterized by severe labour shortage. |
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| Keywords: Agricultural Intensification, Boserup, Labour Surplus, Malthus, Seasonality |
JEL: O1 - Economic Development: General
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| Manuscript Received : Feb 15 2009 | | Manuscript Accepted : May 03 2009 |
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