Rapid population growth by itself may not always result in environmental degradation. There is case study evidence that some farm households and communities develop technical and institutional innovations in natural resource management in response to increasing pressures on resources. Such responses do not happen in all areas however, and need to be induced and supported through policy measures and other development interventions (for example in the areas of tenure, reorientation of agricultural research and extension, etc.). Fragile environments faced with heavy population pressure are priority areas for such interventions
