Which theorist proposed that a larger population has a greater ability to feed itself?

The theorist who proposed that a larger population has a greater ability to feed itself is Boserup. Her perspective emphasizes that as populations grow, human ingenuity and agricultural practices evolve to enhance food production. Boserup argued that increased population density can stimulate innovation in farming techniques and technology, leading to more efficient food production methods. This contrasts with Malthus's theory, which focused on the limitations of resources and predicted that population growth would ultimately outpace food supply, leading to famine and societal collapse.

Boserup's views are rooted in the concept of adaptation, suggesting that humans will find ways to overcome challenges posed by a growing population through advancements in agriculture. For instance, she pointed to historical examples where intensification of farming practices occurred in response to population pressures, demonstrating that people can modify their methods to meet the demands of larger communities.

Understanding Boserup's theory is crucial for examining modern agricultural sustainability and the relationship between population growth and food security, especially in the context of current global challenges.