Shifting cultivation
It involves clearing a patch of land for cultivation, planting crops for several years until soil fertility declines, and then moving to a new site.
Key Facts
- Definition:
- Shifting cultivation: It involves clearing a patch of land for cultivation, planting crops for several years until soil fertility declines, and then moving to a new site.
- Bush fallowing: It is a type of shifting cultivation where a farmer cultivates a patch of land for two or more years before leaving it to regrow naturally or through planting nitrogen-fixing species.
- Land use:
- Shifting cultivation: Less than 33% of land is cultivated in one year.
- Bush fallowing: More than 33% of available and arable land is cultivated temporarily.
- Land ownership:
- Shifting cultivation: The land is communally owned.
- Bush fallowing: The land is privately owned.
- Settlements:
- Shifting cultivation: Settlements and land demarcations are temporary.
- Bush fallowing: Rotating bush fallowing villages have permanent settlements.
Bush fallowing
It is a type of shifting cultivation where a farmer cultivates a patch of land for two or more years before leaving it to regrow naturally or through planting nitrogen-fixing species.
Land Use
Shifting cultivation
Less than 33% of land is cultivated in one year.
Bush fallowing
More than 33% of available and arable land is cultivated temporarily.
Land Ownership
Shifting cultivation
The land is communally owned.
Bush fallowing
The land is privately owned.
Settlements
Shifting cultivation
Settlements and land demarcations are temporary.
Bush fallowing
Rotating bush fallowing villages have permanent settlements.
Conclusion
Shifting cultivation and bush fallowing are both traditional agricultural practices that have been used for centuries. However, there are some key differences between the two practices, including the amount of land that is cultivated, the length of time that the land is cultivated, the ownership of the land, and the type of settlements that are associated with each practice.
References
- https://www.meritnation.com/ask-answer/question/what-is-the-difference-between-shifting-cultivation-and-bush/social-science/10792535
- https://jitefarms.com/shifting-cultivation-and-bush-fallowing/
- https://flashlearners.com/bush-fallowing-and-shifting-cultivation/
FAQs
What is shifting cultivation?
Shifting cultivation is an agricultural practice where farmers clear a patch of land, cultivate it for a few years, and then move to a new site when the soil fertility declines.
What is bush fallowing?
Bush fallowing is a type of shifting cultivation where farmers cultivate a patch of land for two or more years and then leave it fallow for a period of time to allow the soil to recover its fertility.
What are the similarities between shifting cultivation and bush fallowing?
Both shifting cultivation and bush fallowing are traditional agricultural practices that involve clearing land, cultivating crops, and then moving to a new site. Both practices also rely on natural processes to maintain soil fertility.
What are the differences between shifting cultivation and bush fallowing?
The main difference between shifting cultivation and bush fallowing is the length of time that the land is cultivated. In shifting cultivation, the land is cultivated for a few years until the soil fertility declines, while in bush fallowing, the land is cultivated for two or more years and then left fallow for a period of time.
Why are shifting cultivation and bush fallowing still practiced today?
Shifting cultivation and bush fallowing are still practiced today in some parts of the world because they are low-input agricultural systems that can be practiced with limited resources. These practices are also well-suited to areas with fragile soils or where there is a lack of access to modern agricultural inputs.
What are the advantages of shifting cultivation and bush fallowing?
Shifting cultivation and bush fallowing can help to maintain soil fertility, reduce erosion, and conserve biodiversity. These practices can also provide farmers with a source of food and income.
What are the disadvantages of shifting cultivation and bush fallowing?
Shifting cultivation and bush fallowing can lead to deforestation, soil degradation, and a loss of biodiversity. These practices can also be labor-intensive and may not be able to produce enough food to meet the needs of a growing population.
Are there any alternatives to shifting cultivation and bush fallowing?
There are a number of alternative agricultural practices that can be used to improve soil fertility and crop yields without the need for shifting cultivation or bush fallowing. These practices include crop rotation, agroforestry, and conservation agriculture.