Dynamics of Shifting Cultivation in Relation to Slope and Elevation in Parts of Nagaland, India

Abstract

Shifting cultivation in North Eastern Region of India is practised along the hill slopes by tribes of the region for subsistence living. The present study was carried out to examine the dynamics of shifting cultivation in relation to slope and elevation in Mokokchung, Teunsang and Wokha districts of Nagaland. Temporal Advanced Widefield Sensor data of Resources I were used to derive information on the changes and spatial extent of shifting cultivation areas in these districts. Slope and elevation parameters were derived from Shuttle Radar Thematic Mapper data. The study found a change in current shifting cultivation lands to regenerating shifting cultivation. All three districts showed an increasing trend in regenerating shifting cultivation and decrease in current shifting cultivation lands. A shift of cultivation plots towards higher elevations was noted. Southern slopes are mostly occupied for shifting cultivation by tribal communities in these areas.