A systematic approach towards improving shifting cultivation in Sarawak

Awang Noor Abdul Ghani, . and Hamsawi Sani, . (1987) A systematic approach towards improving shifting cultivation in Sarawak. [Proceedings Paper]

Shifting cultivation has been recognised as a traditional land use practice by the indigenous population in Sarawak. To date about 3 million ha of the total state land area has been cleared for shifting cultivation especially in the interior upland region where hill padi forms the major crop component. It has been practised for centuries over large areas of primary and secondary forests with serious consequences to the natural forest ecosystem. Major impacts include surface run-off nutrient leaching changes in species composition and pattern of forest succession. A reforestation programme which has been carried out by the Forest Department in the fallow areas has been slow and at the1039same time left the farmers with limited area to farm. There is an urgent need to design a systematic approach towards improving the present practice where both parties can achieve the intended goals. This practice cannot be totally eliminated due to the complex nature of the social and institutional system. However several appropriate technologies could be designed and introduced to improve the present practice. The chosen technology must be based on the present and future needs of the people involved. As such a problem and action oriented approach based on Diagnostic and Design D and D Methodology is strongly recommended. It takes into account almost all aspects of the system in implementing the proposed technolo

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Abstract

Shifting cultivation has been recognised as a traditional land use practice by the indigenous population in Sarawak. To date about 3 million ha of the total state land area has been cleared for shifting cultivation especially in the interior upland region where hill padi forms the major crop component. It has been practised for centuries over large areas of primary and secondary forests with serious consequences to the natural forest ecosystem. Major impacts include surface run-off nutrient leaching changes in species composition and pattern of forest succession. A reforestation programme which has been carried out by the Forest Department in the fallow areas has been slow and at the1039same time left the farmers with limited area to farm. There is an urgent need to design a systematic approach towards improving the present practice where both parties can achieve the intended goals. This practice cannot be totally eliminated due to the complex nature of the social and institutional system. However several appropriate technologies could be designed and introduced to improve the present practice. The chosen technology must be based on the present and future needs of the people involved. As such a problem and action oriented approach based on Diagnostic and Design D and D Methodology is strongly recommended. It takes into account almost all aspects of the system in implementing the proposed technolo

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Available at Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor Malaysia. SD418.3 T7R336 1986 Call Number.
AGROVOC Term:	Forest ecology
AGROVOC Term:	Forests
AGROVOC Term:	Cultivation
AGROVOC Term:	Forest management
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:25
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/14568

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