Why Is Shifting Cultivation Practiced?

The agricultural system of shifting cultivation, which has been practiced for centuries in most of the tropics, is still prevalent in West Africa. Under this system, the forest is cleared, and food crops are planted. ... The results of this practice may well revolutionize animal production in tropical forests.

Why is shifting cultivation used?

Swidden in practice

Much of the world's 'primary' forest has in fact been historically managed under shifting cultivation. Much 'secondary' regrowth is rich in biodiversity as the clearings encourage the growth of a range of plant species which in turn attract a diversity of birds and animals.

How is shifting cultivation practiced?

Shifting cultivation is a mode of farming long followed in the humid tropics of Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. In the practice of “slash and burn”, farmers would cut the native vegetation and burn it, then plant crops in the exposed, ash-fertilized soil for two or three seasons in succession.