Managing Change in Shifting Cultivation Areas

Shifting cultivation, long misunderstood and stigmatized as an outdated or environmentally harmful practice, remains a vital livelihood system for many communities in the northeast hill (NEH) region of India. This chapter challenges conventional views and highlights the ecological harmony and food security benefits inherent in shifting cultivation systems. While settled agriculture may offer short-term economic gains, it often poses long-term risks to both community health and environmental sustainability—risks that shifting cultivators are increasingly aware of. The chapter documents how shifting cultivators are already adapting by integrating new crops, practices, and innovations without abandoning their traditional systems. It argues that rather than replacing this heritage practice, shifting cultivation should be regenerated and reimagined to align with climate action goals and Agenda 2030. Innovative agroforestry and inclusive food system approaches should be promoted to enhance productivity and sustainability. Special attention is needed for research, funding, and policy support to integrate underutilized crops and improve value addition in upland systems. The chapter calls for a repurposing of management strategies to support adaptive, community-led transitions that uphold both traditional knowledge and emerging climate-resilient practices.