Shifting Cultivation Practices Research Articles

PENGENDALIAN PERLADANGAN BERPINDAH DENGAN AGROFORESTRI BERBASIS TANAMAN DAMAR DI DESA IMABATAI KECAMATAN INAMOSOL KABUPATEN SERAM BAGIAN BARAT

Shifting cultivation is an agricultural system that is widely practiced by farmers because it does not require much capital for its activities. However, the impact of shifting cultivation activities is quite large, especially on forest destruction. To control the impact of shifting cultivation practices is to introduce the agroforestry model to farmers. Agroforestry is a farming model that combines agricultural crops and forestry crops. The aim of the activity is to provide insight and understanding to farmers/cultivators who practice shifting cultivation so that they can reduce shifting cultivation activities. A total of 20 representatives from 20 families or 25% of the total number of families in Imabatai village were involved in intensive activities. This activity also involved female representatives, namely 10 people representing 10 families, while 10 men were involved representing 10 families. Participants really responded to this training, because it was something new for farmers. So far, participants have focused more on agricultural systems that rely more on business patterns that only focus on agricultural crops. Apart from that, the aspect of understanding the training material was very good, because 85% of participants were able to answer the evaluation questions well. The future hope is that participants can immediately try to practice agroforestry or dusung because it is very promising to increase farmers' income in the future when harvest time comes. Apart from that, agroforestry practices can reduce the impact of shifting cultivation which leads to the formation of critical land.

How do socio-economic characteristics of communities influence resource use and forest cover in the Cryptosepalum forest of North-western Zambia

Forests are important ecosystems offering extensive material and immaterial benefits to people and the environment. If not well monitored and sustainably managed, forest resource use can lead to degradation, which has global environmental and socio-economic implications. There is currently limited information on the factors that lead to forest use in the Cryptosepalum forests of Zambia, and how these factors potentially influence forest integrity. This study aimed at establishing the socio-economic aspects that determine resource utilisation and forest loss in the Cryptosepalum forest of Manyinga and Zambezi Districts of North-western Zambia. Using a semi-structured questionnaire 207 randomly selected households were interviewed in 7 villages surrounding the Cryptosepalum forest (4 in Manyinga and 3 in Zambezi district). Additionally, three focus Group Discussions were conducted to triangulate interview data. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's Chi-square test of independence and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data. The study established 14 forest products used by local communities in the study sites. Socio-economic factors, namely; gender, level of education, household size, wealth, and residence status significantly influenced use of 9 of the 14 forest products. Further, significant relationships (p < 0.5) were established between: (1) gender and use of construction poles, wood fibre, fruits, and honey production (2) level of education and utilisation of timber, tubers, caterpillars, mushrooms, and thatching grass; (3) household size and use of construction poles, wild vegetables, tubers, caterpillars, fruits and thatching grass; (4) wealth status and use of timber, construction poles, wild vegetables, wood fibre, and fruits; and (5) residence status and use of construction poles, tubers and thatching grass. Timber harvesting, agricultural expansion, and population increase were established as key drivers of forest cover loss in the Cryptosepalum forest. The study recommends that policies and strategies aimed at conserving this forest focus on strict law enforcement (monitoring and control) of timber harvesting activities; and provision of agricultural inputs and/or community sensitisation on conservation agriculture interventions to curb shifting cultivation practices. The study adds to the body of knowledge on the importance of forests to rural livelihoods in Sub-saharan Africa, and the influence of socio-economic factors on forest cover and resource use.

Human-elephant conflict in the African rainforest landscape: crop-raiding situations and damage mitigation strategies in rural Gabon

While the conservation of forest elephants is a global concern, human-elephant conflict (HEC), especially crop-raiding by elephants, is a serious threat to both human livelihoods and conservation efforts. However, only a few studies have explored elephant crop-raiding and related damage mitigation strategies in Central Africa’s forest landscapes, which are characterized by low human and high animal densities and shifting cultivation practices. This study investigates HEC in rural Gabon, where human activities are limited, and local livelihoods are severely threatened by crop-raiding elephants. Through long-term ethnographic research and an in-depth analysis of damage mitigation practices by local people, the study unveils serious crop-raiding by elephants, leading to a significant change in the local lifestyle. Most households spend the majority of days in the field protecting crops, resulting in the village becoming almost empty. In addition to the physical burden of staying in poor living conditions, there is a considerable psychological burden for local people. Establishing effective elephant conservation systems requires understanding each local situation and evaluating the various costs to local people. To sustain livelihoods and address the challenge of HEC, it is crucial for local communities and various stakeholders to act collectively.

Population structure and phenological attributes of Adansonia digitata L. (baobab) in Northwestern lowland area of Ethiopia

Adansonia digitata (baobab), a multipurpose and highly valued tree species, is facing threats due to anthropogenic factors like shifting cultivation practices and fire. The aim of this study was to examine the population structure and phenological attributes of baobab in three districts (i.e. Kafta Humera, Tselemt, and Quara district) in Northwestern Ethiopia. The study was carried out by establishing 17 plots 1 km long and 100 m wide covering a total area of 170 ha in the Quara district and five plots covering 50 ha each in the Kafta Humera and Tselemt districts. Further, plots were subdivided into 25 × 25 m and 5 × 5 m sub-plots for recording other woody species and their regeneration status, respectively. Thirty reproductively matured trees with easily visible crowns were selected to record phenological characteristics and fruit yield. The findings revealed that baobab population was significantly higher in the Tselemt district (3.15 ± 0.15) as compared to Quara (1.43 ± 0.43) and Kafta Humera (1.30 ± 0.23) sites. A bell-shaped diameter distribution was observed in the Quara district and irregular-shaped distributions were observed in Kafta Humera and Tselemt districts. Phenological periodicity and fruit production of baobab did not vary significantly among the three study sites. On average, 404 fruits per tree were recorded with a maximum of 559 fruits in mid-diameter size class trees. Due to livestock browsing, shifting cultivation practices, and uncontrolled fire, the recruitments are limited in the study areas. An in-situ conservation strategy through the plantation and proper management practices are needed to sustain baobab tree species.

Ecological analysis of climate change on soil characteristics under shifting cultivation practice in tropical moist regions

This study delves into the multifaceted impact of climate change on soils subjected to shifting cultivation practices. Our findings reveal a complex interplay of both beneficial and adverse effects on the physical, chemical, and biological attributes of soils. Moreover, climate change exacerbates these detrimental impacts by inducing significant alterations in soil characteristics. Specifically, our study underscores that shifting cultivation practices, particularly those employing short fallow cycles, can pose a considerable threat to soil health when subjected to changing climatic conditions. In such scenarios, shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns have the potential to magnify the adverse consequences of shifting cultivation on soils, ultimately outweighing any positive influences. This study highlights the critical need for sustainable land management strategies, especially in the face of climate change, to preserve and enhance soil health and resilience in shifting cultivation regions.

What Factors are Responsible for The Continued Adoption of The Shifting Cultivation Practices?

Shifting cultivation, deeply ingrained in Nagaland's culture, is a complex agricultural practice that continues to thrive despite modernization. This study presents a comparative analysis of four key districts in Nagaland—Dimapur, Kohima, Zunheboto, and Mokokchung—based on a range of social, economic, environmental, and policy-related criteria. The results reveal the multifaceted factors that contribute to the persistence of shifting cultivation in the region and emphasize its importance for the people of Nagaland.

Rai Community and Shifting Cultivation Practices in Eastern Nepal: A Study of Balakhu, Okhaldhunga

Shifting cultivation is a form of land use pattern among poor and indigenous communities with a rotation of cultivation and follow in the same unit of land. Thousands of indigenous people, with majority households for subsistence living, are depending on shifting cultivation practices. Shifting cultivation in Nepal, locally called as Khoriya or Bhasme, is a land use practice in which indigenous communities clear and cultivate secondary forests in plots of different sizes, leave these plots to regenerate naturally through fallows of medium to long duration. This practice is in transition these days with rising population of shifting cultivators and demand of more food stuff. This case study demonstrates the relationship among land use practices, people livelihood and health issues of Rai community who have involved in shifting cultivation practices in Balakhu Village of Okhaldhunga.

Shifting Cultivation Practices in Rai Community of Eastern Nepal

Shifting cultivation is a form of land use pattern with a rotation of cultivation followed in the same unit of land. Thousands of indigenous people, with majority households in subsistence living, are dependent on shifting cultivation practices due to the lack of alternate source of income generation. Shifting cultivation in Nepal, locally called as Khoriya or Bhasme, is a land use practice in which indigenous communities clear and cultivate secondary forests in plots of different sizes, leave these plots to regenerate naturally through fallows for medium to long duration. This practice is in transition these days due to rising population of shifting cultivators, and demand for more food. The study demonstrates the relationship among land use practices, people’s livelihood and health issues of Rai community who are involved in shifting cultivation practices in Balakhu Village of Okhaldhunga.

Characterization of shifting cultivation, trends, and diversification of livelihood patterns: A case study from forest villages in Barak valley, Assam, Northeast India

Shifting cultivation is a traditional agricultural system and predominant land use in the mountainous regions of many parts of the world. Recently, there has been a change in traditional shifting cultivation practice. The purpose of the current study is to map the spatial distribution of shifting cultivation plots in forest villages of Barak Valley, Assam, Northeast India, document the socio-economic profile of cultivators, and examine how traditional shifting cultivation is transitioning towards other agricultural systems, leading to livelihood diversification. The study included both primary and secondary data. The shifting cultivation plots were digitized using Sentinel 2 image of 2022. A total of 146 respondents from nine forest villages were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The plots were concentrated in the southern part of Barak Valley and sparsely distributed in the Northern part. The average plot size was 1.35±0.02 ha. A positive correlation was observed between family size and size of jhum plot. The villages were located in remote areas with little access to basic amenities such as metalled roads and schools. The duration of fallow was lesser in villages located nearer to the market, as it was easier for them to sell their produce. Diversification of livelihoods among the younger members was observed, who were engaged in activities other than cultivation. The reason cited by respondents for this was earning additional income. Shifting cultivation combined with commercial farming on fallow land was the most common form of livelihood. The fallow period ranged between 2 to10 years. Weed infestation and loss of fertility were cited as major reasons by all respondents for leaving jhum plots fallow. Species such as Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Orange), Musa sp (Banana), Piper betle L. (Betel Leaf), Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr. (Tree bean), Thysanolaena latifolia (Roxb. ex Hornem.) Honda (Asian Broom Grass) and other economically important species were cultivated in the fallow lands. This has increased the pressure on remaining forest lands that are being converted into shifting cultivation areas. Although conversion of fallow for monoculture and agroforestry may not be the solution to every problem, it holds promise for both ecological and economical sustainability, if managed judiciously. However, transition to other livelihood systems must occur with minimal degradation of ecosystem services.

Spatial Variability of Soil Properties under Different Land Use Systems in Wokha District of Nagaland, India

The shifting cultivation practice is the predominant land use system of Nagaland, India, and Wokha district in particular. In general, there are four different forms of land use: forest, shifting cultivation, cultivated fallow, and wet terrace rice cultivation. In the Wokha district, a study was conducted in the year 2015 to evaluate the variability in soil characteristics among four different land use systems and to map their spatial distribution. A total of 381 soil samples were collected and tested for six soil fertility parameters; clay, pH, soil organic carbon, available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The results showed that all of the soils were very acidic in nature; however the mean value of soil pH was substantially higher in the shifting cultivation system. Soil organic carbon concentrations ranged from high to very high across all land use systems. Average soil organic carbon content was highest in the forest, followed by cultivated fallow, shifting, and wet terrace rice cultivation (WTRC) systems, whereas available N content was very low to low. The P concentration of the soil was very low in the WTRC system and low in the other systems. Soil K concentration was high in shifting (361.95 kg/ha), cultivated fallow (312.4 kg/ha), forest (309.73 kg/ha), and low in WTRC (166.975 kg/ha) land use systems. Available N, P and K deficiency was found in 93.8%, 72.2%, and 32.9% of soil samples, respectively. Soil organic carbon correlated positively with K and significantly positively with N. Soil pH correlated negatively with clay content and positively but non-significantly with P. The generated maps might be used to assist farmers in identifying the expected nutrient levels in their areas and encourage them to change their crop management practices to improve crop yield and profitability. Due to soil acidity, higher SOC, lower N and P, and higher potassium content, suitable acid loving crops, higher N and phosphorus fertilization, and some commercially advantageous potassium responsive crops may be encouraged in farming practices.

Perilaku Ramah Lingkungan dan Tidak Ramah Lingkungan dalam Perladangan Berpindah pada Masyarakat Tolaki di Routa Kabupaten Konawe

This article is intended to reveal environmentally friendly and environmentally unfriendly practices in shifting cultivation among the Tolaki people in Southeast Sulawesi. The method of presenting this article is done by first describing the practice of shifting cultivation as it is and then showing environmentally friendly and non-environmentally friendly practices at each stage. The results of this study indicate that there are environmentally friendly and unfriendly behaviors in shifting cultivation practices. Environmentally friendly behaviors include: a ceremony to apply for a permit to clear a field (mohoto o wuta), allowing a number of trees to stand upright in some parts of the field, cleaning the entire side of the cultivated area when they want to burn (mekere), getting to know the fallow and rotary mechanism as well as the practice of hetero-culture inside it. Meanwhile, environmentally unfriendly practices include: the habit of burning on wood stumps that can still grow, slashing and cleaning up new shoots of wood and piling grass and other debris on the stumps.

Selective logging and shifting cultivation practices significantly reduce ectomycorrhizal inoculum potential of humid forest soils of South Cameroon

Selective logging and shifting cultivation practices significantly reduce ectomycorrhizal inoculum potential of humid forest soils of South Cameroon

Transition from shifting cultivation to agroforestry: A case study of regrouped villages in Tripura, India

Adoption of alternatives to classical shifting cultivation practices is imperative to the sustainable management of these mosaic landscapes. Resettlement programmes comprise one of the many ways of weaning shifting cultivators and provide them with better livelihood opportunities and improve their socio-economic status. The present study aims to analyse the current socio-economic status of resettled shifting cultivators, changes in farming practices, agroforestry inclusion as alternative and factors that contribute to their adoption. It was observed that about 82% of the households surveyed in the two districts of Tripura have adopted agroforestry practices, either along with shifting cultivation or as the sole type of cultivation practice. This transition to inclusion of agroforestry happened within a span of about 10 years, due to various government and private interventions. A total of 15 agroforestry species were recorded that were grown by these farmers in various combinations that depended on external factors like availability of seedlings, external interventions, area of homestead land and financial viability. Through awareness and better infrastructural support, these farmers can manage their cultivation more sustainably and reap better financial returns from them.

Perception of Shifting Cultivation Practicing Farmers towards Soil and its Nutrient Loss in Zunheboto District of Nagaland

The present study was conducted in the Zunheboto district of Nagaland. Zunheboto is bordered by Mokokchung district in the east, Kohima district in the south and Wokha district in the west. Out of total twelve districts in Nagaland, Zunheboto district is selected for the study. Majority of the respondents were from middle age group, educated up to literate, middle caste group from the joint family, having large family size. Most of the respondents were from small size of land holding, having medium group of annual income, majority of the respondents were from medium social participation. The findings of the study indicated that majority of respondents had adequate knowledge regarding impacts on complete forest loss, impacts on diverse land use system, bad impact of burned land on health of people and burning practice negatively impacted the biochemical processes of soils. Correlation coefficient showed that variables viz.., annual income, Land holding, social participation, extension contact were positively and significantly related with perception of respondents towards shifting cultivation practices.

Understanding the effect of shifting cultivation practice (slash-burn-cultivation-abandonment) on soil physicochemical properties in the North-eastern Himalayan region

Shifting cultivation (jhum cultivation), a common practice of converting forest land into agricultural land by slash and burn is threatening the ecosystem. This study assesses the effect of shifting cultivation cycles on soil quality in the North-eastern Himalayan region using a minimum of soil properties. To achieve this goal, a soil quality index (SQI) approach and multivariate techniques were used for surface (0-30 cm) and subsurface (30-70 cm) layers of soils in the forest, jhum land, and jhum fallow areas. The highest variability among land uses was found for clay content, SOC (soil organic carbon), exchangeable Mg and K, CEC (cation exchange capacity), and the Ca/Mg relationship. On the contrary, the lowest variation was recorded in bulk density (BD), porosity, and pH. The results of the principal component analysis (PCA) show BD, soil texture, available nitrogen (Nav), available phosphorus (Pav), available potassium (Kav), calcium (Ca) and sodium (Na) as the major indicators of soil quality. The study indicated that surface layers of forest soils have a lower soil quality when compared to jhum lands. Although jhum lands show a better soil quality compared to forests, their continued cultivation without any fertilisation and subsequent depletion of the soil nutrients can cause a degradation of soil quality as observed in jhum fallow lands. The use of these selected indicators for soil quality assessment was useful in terms of saving time and costs.

Structural and functional characterization of rhizosphere actinomycetes of major crop plants under shifting cultivation practice in Northeast India

Structural and functional characterization of rhizosphere actinomycetes of major crop plants under shifting cultivation practice in Northeast India

Selective logging and shifting cultivation practices significantly reduce ectomycorrhizal inoculum potential of humid forest soils of South Cameroon

Selective logging and shifting cultivation practices significantly reduce ectomycorrhizal inoculum potential of humid forest soils of South Cameroon

Natural regeneration triggers compositional and functional shifts in soil seed banks

Secondary forests emerging during traditional shifting cultivation practices are increasingly recognized for their fulfillment of ecosystem services and mitigation potential of climate change and biodiversity losses. The soil seed bank as a recruit reservoir is a limiting factor for natural forest regeneration of such secondary forests and is decisive for the formation and restitution of the post-disturbance community. The aim of this study was to compare the composition of the soil seed bank along a natural regeneration chronosequence from the Caxiuanã National Forest, eastern Amazon, including old-growth reference sites. We sampled standing vegetation, soil properties and soil seed banks and compared the density and species richness of different life forms among different regeneration stages. Using nonmetric, multiple scaling, we compared the composition of the soil seed bank among different regeneration stages and with standing vegetation composition. Furthermore, we outlined the influence of stand age, vegetation structure and soil properties on the density, richness and functional characterization of the soil seed bank using mixed effect models. The soil seed bank was dominated by herb seeds in all regeneration stages, and the density and richness of tree seeds increased with regeneration time and recovery of vegetation structure. Seed bank composition changed gradually with regeneration advance and differed from standing vegetation, containing a high amount of allochthonous seeds, especially in older stands. This observation highlights the importance of dispersal and habitat connectivity for the natural regeneration of these secondary forests. Shifts in soil seed bank composition towards slow-growing, animal-dispersed, non-pioneer species with larger, recalcitrant seeds in older regeneration stands indicate changes in vegetation composition along succession. Thus, our data indicate the importance of connectivity for forest regeneration and long fallow periods (> 40 years) to increase the performance of ecosystem services, resilience and stability of secondary forests arising during shifting cultivation practices.

SHIFTING CULTIVATION PRACTICES IN BARAK VALLEY, INDIA – POLICY SCENARIOS FROM A SPATIALLY EXPLICIT LAND USE MODEL

Abstract. Barak valley is a region in north east part of India where the practice of shifting cultivation is quite prevalent. Population growth coupled with the geographic isolation of the area have led to an increased pressure on land and a consequent decline in forest cover. The decrease of forests observed is spatially distributed and dependent on neighborhood rules. Hence, we look towards modelling the land use change to understand the land use changes and the factors affecting them. In this paper, we modify an agent-based land use model for modelling shifting cultivation to determine how various policy changes at a larger scale might affect the shifting cultivation practice in the region at the micro level. We explore scenarios like drastic population increase and availability of irrigation infrastructure in the area. Through the scenario analysis we explore how policies play a role in agriculture patterns and influence land use patterns.

Fine root biomass and soil properties following the conversion of miombo woodlands to shifting cultivation lands

Fine root (Fr) biomass, soil organic matter (SOM), and soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil total nitrogen (STN) stocks are affected by land use. Conversion of woodland to agricultural land is reported to result in depletion of SOC and STN stocks. However, information on Fr biomass, and SOC and STN stocks changes following conversion of miombo woodlands to shifting cultivation lands is lacking and might be highly variable depending on the shifting cultivation system practiced. Swidden agriculture is the most complex and multifaceted form of agriculture in the world and it is a highly diverse land use system. It was expected that conversion of miombo woodlands to shifting cultivation lands would result in decreased Fr biomass, soil organic matter (SOM), and SOC and STN stocks as a result of the removal of the trees, soil burning, and other vegetation disturbances typical of this agricultural system. The results showed that the conversion of miombo woodlands to swidden agriculture lands did not impact SOM, SOC and STN stocks; however, it led to a loss of 52% of Fr biomass. In miombo woodlands, Fr biomass and the soil properties (SOM, SOC, STN) were significantly dependent on basal area (m2 ha−1). In swidden agriculture lands, they were dependent on stump cross-sectional area (m2 ha−1). Shifting cultivation lands have the potential to store as much organic matter, C and N in the soil as miombo woodlands, depending on the form of shifting cultivation practiced. Further researches are required on different forms of shifting cultivation practices and its impacts on soil properties.