An Assessment of Trends in the Extent of Swidden in Southeast Asia |
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Authors: | Dietrich Schmidt-Vogt Stephen J Leisz Ole Mertz Andreas Heinimann Thiha Thiha Peter Messerli Michael Epprecht Pham Van Cu Vu Kim Chi Martin Hardiono Truong M Dao |
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Institution: | 1. School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand 2. Department of Anthropology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, USA 3. Department of Geography and Geology, University of Copenhagen, ?ster Voldgade 10, 1350, Copenhagen K, Denmark 4. Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research North South, Institute of Geography, University of Berne, Hallerstrasse 10, Berne, 3012, Switzerland 5. Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute, Mahasarakam University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand 6. Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam 7. Jl. Bukit Nusa Indah No. 70, Ciputat, 15414, Indonesia 8. Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Abstract: | Swidden systems consisting of temporarily cultivated land and associated fallows often do not appear on land use maps or in
statistical records. This is partly due to the fact that swidden is a diverse and dynamic land use system that is difficult
to map and partly because of the practice of grouping land covers associated with swidden systems into land use or land cover
categories that are not self-evidently linked to swiddening. Additionally, in many parts of Southeast Asia swidden systems
have changed or are in the process of changing into other land use systems. This paper assesses the extent of swidden on the
basis of regional and national sources for nine countries, and determines the pattern of changes of swidden on the basis of
151 cases culled from 67 articles. Findings include (1) a majority of the cases document swidden being replaced by other forms
of agriculture or by other livelihood systems; (2) in cases where swiddening is still practiced, fallow lengths are usually,
but not always, shorter; and (3) shortened fallow length does not necessarily indicate a trend away from swidden since it
is observed that short fallow swidden is sometimes maintained along with other more intensive farming practices and not completely
abandoned. The paper concludes that there is a surprising lack of conclusive data on the extent of swidden in Southeast Asia.
In order to remedy this, methods are reviewed that may lead to more precise future assessments. |
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Keywords: | Swidden cultivation Land use and land cover change Fallow Southeast Asia |
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