Continuing trends of migration to urban centers or non-agricultural employment have in many cases left women in charge of managing household agricultural production and local natural resources. Similarly, the HIV/Aids pandemic has a profound impact on the livelihoods of rural populations.
Research under this theme examines how these issues and other causes of demographic change, such as aging of the workforce, or conflict situations are impacting the content, administration, and allocation of property rights. It further assesses how collective action responds to and is affected by various population dynamics, with the intention of investigating pathways that will lead to more equitable and sustainable natural resource use. Specific questions under this theme include:
- How do property rights evolve in response to demographic change?
- What are the productivity and equity implications of male control over property when women are the main managers due to HIV/Aids, urban migration, and conflict?