Shifting Cultivation: Balancing Tradition with Sustainability

Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is a traditional agricultural practice that has been used by indigenous communities around the world for centuries. This method involves clearing patches of forest, burning the vegetation, and then planting crops in the nutrient-rich ash-enriched soil. While it has sustained communities for generations, shifting cultivation has come under scrutiny due to its environmental impacts. This article explores the practice of shifting cultivation, its cultural significance, its challenges, and the efforts to make it more sustainable.