Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture or jhum, has traditionally been practised by indigenous communities in the Indian East Himalayas. While it has provided subsistence for these communities over generations, shifting cultivation has several adverse impacts on the environment and socio-economic fabric of the region. To address these adverse impacts, some ethnic communities in the Indian East Himalayan region have evolved a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system, benefiting both the environment and local communities. Indigenous agroforestry practices play a crucial role in the sustainable land management and restoration of shifting cultivated lands in the Indian East Himalayan region. This chapter explores the traditional ecological knowledge and practices employed by indigenous communities in the region to enhance soil fertility, biodiversity conservation, and resilience to climate change through agroforestry systems. Key indigenous tree species and their roles in agroforestry are discussed, along with the socio-economic implications and policy recommendations for promoting these practices.

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Indigenous Agroforestry and Restoration of Shifting Cultivated Lands in the Indian East Himalayan Region

  • Animekh Hazarika,
  • Arun Jyoti Nath

摘要

Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture or jhum, has traditionally been practised by indigenous communities in the Indian East Himalayas. While it has provided subsistence for these communities over generations, shifting cultivation has several adverse impacts on the environment and socio-economic fabric of the region. To address these adverse impacts, some ethnic communities in the Indian East Himalayan region have evolved a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system, benefiting both the environment and local communities. Indigenous agroforestry practices play a crucial role in the sustainable land management and restoration of shifting cultivated lands in the Indian East Himalayan region. This chapter explores the traditional ecological knowledge and practices employed by indigenous communities in the region to enhance soil fertility, biodiversity conservation, and resilience to climate change through agroforestry systems. Key indigenous tree species and their roles in agroforestry are discussed, along with the socio-economic implications and policy recommendations for promoting these practices.