**2.1 Theoretical underpinnings**

The Malthusian theory argues that "the power of population is indefinitely greater than the power in the earth to produce subsistence for man" ([19], p. 13). The disequilibrium between population growth and food supply would lead to unsustainable exploitation of land resources and eventually cause forest degradation. This would inevitably affect the political economy, family life, prosperity, good citizenry, and marriage life. Subsequently, living standards, disease, famine, infant mortality, mob action, and political dictatorship would increase resulting in misery, vice, and moral restraint ([20], pp. 5–19). Could population growth be an aggravating factor in the process of forest degradation at Asunafo? The Malthusian theory becomes useful in addressing this question. On the contrary, Boserup [21] posits that instead of environmental degradation, the population increase would bring about sustainable environmental management through agricultural intensification and a rise in cropping frequency. This would be occasioned by increased technology, which would help to expand productivity to cater for the needs of the increased population. Consequently, productivity would increase. As this happens, market prices, substitutes, inventions, and government policies would control environmental degradation. However, the failure of the market economy and policies to efficiently manage, develop, and allocate resources would exacerbate environmental degradation.
