Swidden agriculture
Swidden agriculture, also known as slash-and-burn or shifting cultivation, is a traditional farming method that involves clearing forested land by cutting and burning the vegetation. This practice is characterized by high spatiotemporal dynamics, involving short periods of cultivation followed by fallow periods to regenerate vegetation and soil fertility. The method entails the periodic slashing and burning of natural and secondary vegetation to clear land for cultivation. Fields are cultivated temporarily and then abandoned to allow the land to revert to its natural vegetation and restore soil fertility.
Cultural Significance
In Laos, swidden agriculture is deeply integrated into the culture and traditional practices of local communities, particularly in upland areas. It is closely linked to the livelihoods of local farmers, who rely on this method for food production and maintaining soil fertility through crop-fallow cycles. The practice is prevalent among ethnic minority groups, such as the Ethnic Lao (Lao Loum) in Pa Khom Village, and is crucial for their way of life and food security.
Swidden agriculture is also significant for local Food Security and livelihoods, involving the cultivation of various crops and the collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), which are crucial for the village economy and sustainable land use practices. The practice supports the preservation of genetic material, as Laos is a key source of rice germplasms stored at the IRRI World Gene-Bank, highlighting its importance in maintaining agricultural biodiversity.
Usage
Swidden agriculture is the dominant agricultural practice in many regions of Laos. It is characterized by varying intensities, with some areas experiencing high-intensity swiddening. For example, in the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area (NEPL-NPA), swidden cultivation accounted for 55% of the study area, with varying intensities and cycles.
The practice involves various fallow periods categorized into short-term, medium-term, and long-term fallows, which are essential for allowing the soil to recover and regain its nutrients. However, swidden agriculture also poses environmental risks such as soil erosion, decreased soil fertility, wildfires, and CO2 Emissions.
The Government of Laos has implemented policies to regulate and eventually eradicate swidden agriculture, promoting more permanent forms of cultivation. These policies include resettlement programs and market-based economic reforms aimed at transforming the agricultural sector. Programs like The Agro-Biodiversity Initiative (TABI) refer to it as 'rotational agriculture' to emphasize the use of predefined plots, integrating traditional practices with modern sustainable agriculture methods.
Conclusion
Swidden agriculture is a traditional farming method with significant cultural and practical importance in Laos. It supports the livelihoods of local communities and maintains soil fertility through rotational farming. However, it also poses environmental challenges, prompting government policies and initiatives to promote more sustainable agricultural practices. The practice remains a key area of study for understanding agricultural sustainability and environmental impact in the region.
Source:
- Agriculture in the Forest: Ecology and Rationale of Shifting Cultivation
- A landscape mosaics approach for characterizing swidden systems from a REDD+ perspective
- Farmer’s agency and institutional bricolage in land use plan implementation in upland Laos