tailieunhanh - Promotion of agro-forestry in swidden cultivation area: A case study of Tay community in northwest Vietnam

This study explains the dynamics of shifting cultivation and agro-forestry practices among farmers of the Tay et hnic group (one of the largest in the region)in Tat hamlet and recommends measures to replace shiftin cultivation by agro-forestry as the livelihood base. The analysis is mainly quantitative. | PROMOTION OF AGRO-FORESTRY IN SWIDDEN CULTIVATION AREA A Case Study of Tay Community in Northwest Vietnam MSc. Mai Van Thanh Hanoi Agricultural University Abstract The upper Da river watershed in Northwest Vietnam plays a significant role in protecting the Red river delta including the Hanoi capital from flooding. In recent years deforestation has assumed alarming proportions in this area. Shifting cultivation still prevalent among ethnic minority groups in the area despite government efforts significantly contributes to this deforestation. To ensure the successful transition from shifting to fixed cultivation the features and driving forces of shifting cultivation need to be well understood before an alternative can be introduced. This study explains the dynamics of shifting cultivation and agroforestry practices among farmers of the Tay ethnic group one of the largest in the region in Tat hamlet and recommends measures to replace shifting cultivation by agro-forestry as the livelihood base. The analysis is mainly quantitative. The study concludes that the main cause of continued shifting cultivation in this area is the poverty associated with food shortages. Population pressure inadequate agricultural land for cultivation limited access to credit and extension services low educational levels land tenure insecurity faulty policy planning implementation without popular participation and lack of coordination among government organizations influence the farmer s decision to continue with shifting cultivation. Nonetheless most farmers wish to switch over to agro-forestry. Finally agro-forestry systems can be promoted as an alternative to shifting cultivation only if initial support comes from government and NGOs. Key words agroforestry shifting cultivation sustainability. 1 I. INTRODUCTION A large part of Hoa Binh province belongs to the watershed of the Da River where a majority of the population is subsistence farmers from ethnic minority groups. Shifting .