Spirits of the trees
FROM the humid green of the Amazon to the drier climes of the deep Congo, shifting agriculture has been practised down the ages by communities confronted with lush forests. Today, tropical forests are recognised as a global resource and attract international concern. And the swidden cultivator is increasingly being perceived as the guru of sustainable resource development.
This is because across the world they use methods attuned to nature. Their knowledge system -- often imbedded in belief and analogy -- works.
In Africa, termite mounds, having higher levels of base, soil water, silt and clay are highly prized for cultivation of okra and pumpkin.
Resources near a site are also important. The Chacibo of Amazonian Bolivia prefer sites near nut trees so that they can harvest nuts while tending to the fields. In Southeast Asia and the Amazon sharing of food occurs within the settlement.
Finally, the swiddener will decide his range of crops according to land patterns and soil, the supernatural willing.
Burning vegetation enhances soil fertility by producing nutrient-rich ash and also sterilizes the soil. A good burn means a good crop. The decision when to clear the field hinges on rainfall. The heavens are scanned for a dry day to burn the forest. 'Burn anxiety' is common, and is ritually allayed. The Desana of the Upper Rio Negro in western Brazil match celestial and atmospheric changes to identify elusive dry days. Valued trees which provide timber, oil or fruits are protected. Bits of existing vegetation are left behind for mulch, shade and wind protection.
The decision to start planting after burning the swidden becomes crucial. After burning there is a layer of nutrients which will be washed away by rain. In pre-humid areas the swiddener will quickly plant crops. In drier areas, such as in Africa, the field will be planted when the rains begin. Unlike the conventional farmer who sits on a tractor, the swidden farmer is down on the ground examining every inch of the field and matching crops to soil, drainage and shade.
Crops which can be harvested during different seasons are planted. Inter-cropping is now recognised as an efficient strategy to protect fragile tropical soil. In fact, the chaotic swidden field represents the application of the best technical tropical knowledge regarding crops, vegetation and microclimate.
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