Malthusian assumptions, Boserupian response in models of the transitions to agriculture

TL;DR

This paper presents a coevolutionary model of the transition to agriculture showing that technological innovation peaks under high population pressure, blending Malthusian and Boserupian perspectives and validated against archaeological data.

Contribution

It introduces a numerical coevolutionary model that explains Boserupian responses as emerging from ecological principles without assuming them a priori.

Findings

Innovation peaks when population pressure is highest.

Model aligns with archaeological data.

Coevolutionary feedback explains Boserupian responses.

Abstract

In the many transitions from foraging to agropastoralism it is debated whether the primary drivers are innovations in technology or increases of population. The driver discussion traditionally separates Malthusian (technology driven) from Boserupian (population driven) theories. I present a numerical model of the transitions to agriculture and discuss this model in the light of the population versus technology debate and in Boserup's analytical framework in development theory. Although my model is based on ecological -Neomalthusian- principles, the coevolutionary positive feedback relationship between technology and population results in a seemingly Boserupian response: innovation is greatest when population pressure is highest. This outcome is not only visible in the theory-driven reduced model, but is also present in a corresponding "real world" simulator which was tested against archaeological data, demonstrating the relevance and validity of the coevolutionary model. The lesson to be learned is that not all that acts Boserupian needs Boserup at its core.