Human and ecosystem health: The environment-agriculture connection in developing countries

Agricultural productivity and the health of farming populations are both influenced by environmental change. Farming activities also affect the environment. Six principal dimensions of this agriculture/environment interrelation are explored: water resources; erosion and nonpoint source pollution; pesticides and fertilizers; deforestation; population pressures; and biodiversity. Changes in these environmental dimensions are critical to the health of rural populations in developing countries. National and international policies and incentives for the protection of agricultural environments are described.