Jhum cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn cultivation, is prevalent in tropical regions of the world. Let's understand more about jhum cultivation and its geographical prevalence.

Jhum Cultivation

Jhum cultivation is a traditional form of agriculture practiced by many indigenous communities in the tropical regions of the world. It involves cutting and burning a patch of forest land to create a clearing for agriculture. The crops are then grown on the cleared land for a few years until the soil fertility declines, after which the land is left fallow for several years to allow for natural regeneration of the forest.

Geographical Prevalence

Jhum cultivation is prevalent in the following tropical regions of the world:

1. Northeast India: Jhum cultivation is extensively practiced in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.

2. Southeast Asia: Jhum cultivation is also practiced in parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

3. Central America: The indigenous communities in Central America, particularly in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, also practice jhum cultivation.

4. Africa: Jhum cultivation is practiced in some parts of Africa, including Cameroon, Congo, and Madagascar.

Conclusion

Jhum cultivation is prevalent in tropical regions of the world, where it is a vital source of livelihood for many indigenous communities. However, the practice has been criticized for its impact on the environment, including deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. As such, there have been efforts to promote sustainable alternatives to jhum cultivation, such as agroforestry and sustainable land management practices.