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Knowledge4Policy
Knowledge for policy

Supporting policy with scientific evidence

We mobilise people and resources to create, curate, make sense of and use knowledge to inform policymaking across Europe.

  • Publication | 2021

Transitioning shifting cultivation to resilient farming systems in South and Southeast Asia

Global Food and Nutrition Security

Shifting cultivation continues to be viewed as a rudimentary agricultural practice with little economic viability, a major cause of deforestation and environmental degradation, and a hurdle for development of the uplands. This view persists despite a growing body of scientific literature contradicting the perception. There is, however, growing consensus on the need for serious reappraisal of ongoing approaches facilitating the transition to settled agriculture. Management approaches need to be revised, the pitfalls of transition avoided, and concerns around food security, ecosystem services and security of tenure addressed. This resource book provides an operational framework and guidelines which can help in the design and delivery of programmes that aim to facilitate this transition. We hope the insights offered here help in policy formulation and the development of suitable programmes to manage change in shifting cultivation areas.