Relationship between Small Enterprises and Environmental Degradation in theDeveloping World (with Emphasis on Asia)

摘要

The report assesses the impact of small-scale enterprises (SSE's) on theenvironment, with specific reference to water and land pollution, air pollution, and forest depletion. The relationship between small firms, agriculture, and environmental degradation is also examined. Major findings are as follows. (1) Most SSE's are not involved in activities with high environmental impact and those that are are usually not major polluters. There is evidence, however, that SSE's pollute more per unit of output than do large firms operating in the same sectors. (2) The bulk of urban air and organic water pollution is due to motor vehicles and household wastes, not industry. (3) SSE's are not the major cause of deforestation in most Asian countries. (4) SSE's may contribute to environmental preservation by creating off-farm employment, thereby drawing labor off fragile lands, and by engaging in specific activities such as recycling waste products. General policy and technical approaches to environmental problems are presented, as well as specific recommendations for A.I.D. programs.