Unstable shifting agriculture

Shifting cultivation

Nature

Shifting cultivation is a traditional method of cultivating tropical upland soils, used mainly for subsistence purposes. During the fallow periods of rest intervening between crops, the natural fertility of the soil is restored for renewed utilization in a subsequent period of crop growth. This traditional system of cultivation is in ecological balance with the environment and does not irreversibly degrade the soil resource, provided a sufficient length of fallow is allowed for soil restoration. However, increasing population pressures have necessitated more intensive use of land, particularly in the humid tropics of Asia and in the savanna and forest zones in Africa. The consequence is extended cropping periods and shortened fallows, which are inadequate to restore the soil's productive capacity. The subsistence farmers in the tropics are thus caught in a cycle of increasingly falling yields, more poverty and even less opportunity to subsist, let alone to improve their standard of living. In addition to this perpetuation of human misery, shifting cultivation, as currently practised in many areas, is wasteful of scarce land resources and frequently leads to intolerable erosion, particularly of hillsides and sloping lands.

Background

Unstable shifting agriculture emerged as a global concern in the mid-20th century, when researchers observed accelerating land degradation and deforestation linked to shortened fallow periods in tropical regions. International attention intensified following studies in the 1970s and 1980s documenting the loss of soil fertility and biodiversity. Recognition of its widespread ecological and socio-economic impacts led to its inclusion in major environmental assessments and policy discussions, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable land management practices.

Incidence

Unstable shifting agriculture persists as a significant land-use issue across tropical regions in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, affecting millions of hectares annually. The practice contributes to deforestation, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss, with the Food and Agriculture Organization estimating that shifting cultivation is responsible for up to 30% of tropical deforestation worldwide. Its prevalence is exacerbated by population pressures, land scarcity, and limited access to sustainable farming alternatives, making it a persistent challenge for rural livelihoods and environmental conservation.
In 2022, the Democratic Republic of the Congo experienced a surge in unstable shifting agriculture in the Ituri and Tshopo provinces. Satellite imagery and field reports documented extensive forest clearing for short-term crop cultivation, followed by rapid abandonment of the land due to declining soil fertility. This cycle intensified local food insecurity and contributed to the loss of critical wildlife habitats.

Claim

Unstable shifting agriculture is a critical problem that threatens our environment and food security. This destructive practice leads to rampant deforestation, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity, undermining the very foundation of sustainable agriculture. If we ignore this issue, we risk irreversible ecological damage and jeopardize the livelihoods of millions. Immediate action and sustainable alternatives are essential to halt this dangerous trend before it causes even greater harm to our planet and future generations.

Counter-claim

Stable shifting agricultural systems should be allowed to maintain themselves since they maintain ecological processes and biological diversity. Unstable systems should be helped to stabilize or (if the population is growing too quickly) helped to change to a sustainable and more productive system.