This study was sponsored by the Technology and Development institute of the East-West Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. Some of the research used was sponsored by the Culture Learning Institute of the East-West Center. The study was a part of the Technology and Development Institute's Project in Renewable Resources Planning and Development, Kenneth Ruddle, Director. The author also wishes to acknowledge the assistance of the Tribal Research Centre, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Mr. Wanat Bhruksasri, Director. The concepts and interpretations expressed in this monograph, however, are the sole responsibility of the author. The study has no connection whatsoever with the United States Agency for International Development.

Chapter 3, The Development of Swidden Agriculture, is largely based on the author's article of the same title published in Development and Change, volume 9, number 4 (London, 1978). It appears here by kind permission of the publishers, Sage Publications.

©The United Nations University, 1980
NRTS-11 /UNUP-192
ISBN 92-808-0192-9

This report was published within the framework of the United Nations University's Programme on the Use and Management of Natural Resources. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the United Nations University.

The United Nations University
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ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE TEXT

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
IRRI International Rice Research Institute
TAHAP Thai-Australian Highland Agricultural Project (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
TALD Thai-Australian Land Development Project
TRC Tribal Research Centre (an agency of the Royal Thai Government, Department of Public Welfare, Hilltribe Division; located in Chiang Mai, Thailand)
UNPDAC United Nations Programme for Drug Abuse Control
USDA United States Department of Agriculture

Contents

Preface: some underlying assumptions

1. The mountains of Northern Thailand and their inhabitants: some issues

1.1. Introduction
1.2. Who are the swiddeners (and why are people saying such terrible things about them)?

1.2.1. The Thai
1.2.2. The Hill Peoples

1.3. Complexities. myths, and misconceptions

2. Two types of swidden systems

2.1. The ''established'' swiddeners

2.1.1. Principal natural resources
2.1.2. Principal resources produced
2.1.3. The transformation process
2.1.4. Ecological and socio-cultural constraints

2.2. The''pioneer'' swiddeners

2.2.1. Principal natural resources
2.2.2. Principal resources produced
2.2.3. The transformation process
2.2.4. Ecological and socio-cultural constraints

3. The development of swidden agriculture

3.1. Past experience: two forms of swidden ''development''

3.1.1 Taungya systems
3.1.2. Corridor systems

3.2 Technological possibilities for swidden development

3.2.1. Viability through forest fallow
3.2.2. Productivity
3.2.3. Cash-cropping and other income sources

3.3 Systemic considerations

4. Swidden improvement in Northern Thailand

4.1. Secondary forest swidden systems
4.2. Primary forest swidden systems
4.3. Conclusion

Appendix: upland rice yields in Northern Thailand

Notes

References

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