Trends in shifting cultivation and the REDD mechanism

In many parts of the forest-agriculture frontiers of the tropics, particularly in Southeast Asia, shifting cultivation is rapidly being transformed to other land uses. Yet, there is rather limited knowledge on the spatial and demographic extent of shifting cultivation and the consequences of the transitions taking place. The proposed mechanism for reduced greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) can be both a challenge and opportunity for shifting cultivators. Very limited literature is available on this dilemma, but a few sources point to benefits from 'compensated reductions' if carbon prices are sufficiently high. The main challenges will be to first ensure that poor farmers have access to the products they no longer farm, second, clarify land tenure of disputed farm and fallow land, and third, provide a guarantee that the compensations will be paid and not be lost in systems of poor governance.