Andean Ecology: Adaptive Dynamics In Ecuador

by Gregory Knapp

Using contemporary and historical data as well as observations gathered during a decade of field research, the author analyzes changes in Andean farmers' strategies and methods for eking out a living from the land over a period of many centuries. He finds that the farmers have generally used techniques that dovetail with the need to maximize labour efficiency, given a particular social structure and population density, regardless of environmental factors or cultural traditions.

220 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1991