Shifting cultivation is an agricultural system where plots of land are temporarily farmed and then left to regenerate naturally. This method involves rotating cultivation areas rather than crops, allowing soil fertility to recover during a fallow period. After a few years of growing crops, the land is abandoned, and vegetation is allowed to regrow before the cycle repeats.
Geographic Concentration
Shifting cultivation is practiced in humid tropical regions globally. These areas feature high temperatures and abundant rainfall, influencing agricultural cycles. Major concentrations are found in the tropical rainforest belts of South America, Southeast Asia, and Central Africa. An estimated 250 million people worldwide engage in this practice.
In South America, indigenous groups in the Amazon Basin, spanning countries like Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia, utilize shifting cultivation. In Southeast Asia, countries such as Myanmar, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia have a long history of this system, sometimes known by local names like “jhum” in India or “ladang” in Indonesia. In Central Africa, it remains prevalent in the humid zone, including parts of Zambia, Congo (Kinshasa), and Zimbabwe. This practice is observed in regions where land is plentiful and population densities are lower.
Environmental Conditions
The environmental characteristics of these tropical regions influence shifting cultivation. High rainfall and consistently warm temperatures contribute to rapid vegetation growth, essential for the fallow period. This regrowth allows plots to recover fertility after cultivation. The practice suits areas with nutrient-poor, acidic soils, common in many tropical forest environments.
When land is cleared, often through “slash-and-burn,” the burning vegetation releases nutrients, such as potash, into the soil, providing a temporary fertility boost. This ash acts as a natural fertilizer, making the soil suitable for planting for a few years. Dense natural vegetation is also important because it can regenerate during the fallow period, restoring soil health and preventing erosion. This cyclical regeneration is key to the system’s sustainability when fallow periods are sufficiently long.
Socioeconomic and Cultural Factors
Shifting cultivation is rooted in the historical and cultural practices of many indigenous and traditional communities. It often serves as a primary mode of subsistence farming, providing food for families. This system reflects an understanding of local ecosystems, allowing communities to adapt.
The practice of shifting cultivation is influenced by socioeconomic factors. Communities may lack access to modern agricultural technologies, such as advanced machinery or synthetic fertilizers. Limited financial capital for intensive farming also plays a role, as shifting cultivation requires minimal external inputs. Traditional land tenure systems, which often involve communal or customary land use, support the rotational nature of this practice. These aspects contribute to its persistence in specific geographic areas.