SHIFTING CULTIVATION Meaning and
Definition
-
Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture or swidden agriculture, is a traditional farming practice characterized by the clearing of land through cutting and burning vegetation, followed by the cultivation of crops for a period of time before moving on to other areas. This method is primarily employed in tropical rainforest regions where the soil lacks the necessary fertility for long-term continuous cultivation.
The process begins with the selection and clearance of a forested plot. Indigenous communities often choose areas with a diverse array of plant species and ample sunlight. Large trees are felled and left to dry before being burned, turning the vegetation into ash, which enriches the otherwise nutrient-poor soil. The land is then cultivated for a few years until the fertility declines due to nutrient depletion, at which point the community shifts to a new area and allows the cycle to repeat.
This form of cultivation allows for the restoration of soil fertility through natural succession. When abandoned, the land is left to regenerate and recover its natural state over a period of several decades or longer, depending on the location. Shifting cultivation practices are often sustainable as long as population density remains low, giving enough time for the land to regenerate before it is utilized again.
Despite being an effective strategy for indigenous communities living in harmony with their environment, shifting cultivation is becoming increasingly challenging. Factors such as population growth, land privatization, and climate change have led to the depletion of forested areas and reduced fallow periods, resulting in soil degradation and loss of biodiversity. Efforts are being made to promote sustainable forms of shifting cultivation that embrace modern techniques and better preserve the capabilities of the ecosystems involved.
Etymology of SHIFTING CULTIVATION
The etymology of the word "shifting cultivation" can be broken down as follows:
1. Shifting: This word traces its origins to the Old English word "sciftan", which means "to divide, separate, change" or "to move from one place to another". It can also be connected to the Middle English word "schoften", which means "to shift, change, move". The general concept behind "shifting" implies moving or changing something from its current position or state.
2. Cultivation: This word is derived from the Latin word "cultivatus", which is the past participle of "cultivare", meaning "to till" or "to maintain, foster, develop, or promote growth". It ultimately comes from the Latin word "colere", which means "to till, cultivate, dwell in, or worship".
