The Social Ecology of Tropical Forests brings together various analyses from the three major tropical regions-Southeast Asia, the Amazon basin, and Sub-Saharan Africa-and by challenging simplistic correlations, the authors explore the complex relationships between deforestation and migration. The book provides both an historical overview of migration into these regions, and presents contemporary case studies to reveal the complex interplay of factors motivating migration. The scope of the discussion is extensive, covering historical issues such as the impact of the slave trade on Sub-Saharan African forests and communities, and contemporary dilemmas like the over-exploitation of natural forest products in Vietnam. The authors look at the broader picture of intertwining political, social, geographical, environmental, and historical influences, without seeking quick-fix solutions to the social and environmental issues arising from increasing forest cover loss. The analyses are spatially and temporally contextualized, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative data to provide a useful resource for studying the societies of tropical regions and their social ecology.

About Editors and Authors

ABE Ken’ichi

ABE Ken’ichi is Professor at the National Museum of Ethnology, Japan. He completed his MA and Doctorate at Kyoto University, and specializes in Southeast Asian area studies, environmental anthropology and tropical ecology.

DE JONG Wil

Wil De Jong is Professor at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University. His primary field of research is tropical forests in South America, Asia and Africa, and he specializes in environmental governance, policy research and natural resource management. He has served as Professor at the Japan Centre for Area Studies, National Museum of Ethnology, and as Senior Scientist at the Center for International Forestry Research, Indonesia.