Fallows, fodder and fences: the critical elements of integrating livestock into Swidden systems

This paper begins by sketching the traditional role of animal husbandry in swidden-based farming systems in S.E. Asia's uplands. It contends that in the context of regional economic trends, Lao P.D.R. has a comparative advantage in producing livestock for sale to its more affluent neighbors. Expansion of the livestock sector holds promise of increasing productivity of the rural labor force by converting available feed resources into marketable surpluses and increased cash receipts. Current trends towards intensification of swidden cultivation have the potential to dovetail neatly with increased fodder production for ruminant livestock. Citing examples of indigenous innovations to manage fallow vegetation to enchange its fodder value, the paper proposes building on this concept in converting swidden fallows into improved pasturage / fodder banks that combine benefits of both soil rejunevation and fodder production. The livestock become important in accumulating nutrients which are the returned to the field throug dung. Development of improved fodder resouces usually encourages a parallel movement towards livestock confinement in cut and carry systems; as long as free ranging continues as the norm however, fencing solutions will be crictical to protect fodder banks from over-grazing and soil compaction. In addition to the practical benefits, it is also politically astute to modify swidden cycles into what is essentially a fodder food crop rotation. Conversion of fallows into a carefully managed fodder phase would resonate favorably with state policies to sendetarize swidden agriculture and reduce burning, and thus build a clear argument for their recognition as agricultural lands under the customary tenure of local communities.

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