Improved production systems as an alternative to shifting cultivation

Shifting cultivation, under its diverse forms of slash and burn system, is a traditional method of cultivating tropical upland soils, mostly for subsistence purposes. 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 necessitate more intensive use of land. The consequence is extended cropping periods and shortened fallows. In the extreme, short fallow periods are no longer adequate to restore the soil?s productive capacity. The present set of papers is the result of an expert consultation on the subject. The object of the consultation was to provide guidelines for future activities and policy decisions in this subject area. The ultimate objective is to provide feasible alternatives for improving these practices or replacing them with systems of permanent cropping.