| Technology role | Underlying independent variable | The first role of technology in this theory is to increase the productivity of agricultural land. | Increase productivity |
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| Productivity | Proximate independent variable | Agricultural technology (most typically understood in terms of germplasm i.e. improved seed varieties) enables farmers to grow more food in the same amount of land, which is in turn means that farmers don't have to clear more land to grow more food. | Very productive |
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| Technology role | Proximate independent variable | As a result of the increased productivity, the new technology enables the system to decrease the use of the commons. | Decreased commons use |
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| Commons condition trend | Final outcome | In this theory, forest conservation - a trend towards improved forest condition - is the result of improved agricultural technology allowing farmers to spare clearing forests while increasing yield | Remained the same or Improved |
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