What is the Difference Between Shifting Cultivation and Nomadic Herding?

Shifting cultivation and nomadic herding are two types of resource-based subsistence farming methods. Here are the key differences between the two:

Area of cultivation: Shifting cultivation is fixed to a limited area, and the cultivators return to the same area after a fixed time, once the soil's fertility is renewed. In contrast, nomadic herding involves a group of people and animals traveling to different places for cultivation.
Method of cultivation: In shifting cultivation, an area of forest is cleared, the debris is burnt, and the land is cultivated for several years before being abandoned. The fallow period is usually longer than the cropping period. Nomadic herding, on the other hand, is a form of pastoralism in which nomads travel from one grazing area to another.
Farming focus: Shifting cultivation is a type of farming practice in which a person cultivates a small plot of land temporarily. Nomadic herding is centered around the raising and herding of animals, such as cattle, goats, sheep, camels, domesticated reindeer, horses, musk-oxen, and yaks.

In summary, shifting cultivation involves clearing, burning, and cultivating a plot of land for a limited period, while nomadic herding focuses on raising and herding animals over vast areas and across different locations.

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What is the Difference Between Shifting Cultivation and Nomadic Herding?

Comparative Table: Shifting Cultivation vs Nomadic Herding

Shifting cultivation and nomadic herding are two types of resource-based subsistence farming methods. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:

Feature	Shifting Cultivation	Nomadic Herding
Definition	A type of farming practice where a person cultivates a small plot of land temporarily, using slash-and-burn techniques.	A form of subsistence agriculture where a group of people along with animals travel to different places for cultivation.
Mobility	Limited mobility, as the cultivation is fixed to a specific area and the same area is revisited after a fixed period.	High mobility, as groups of people and animals travel to different places for cultivation.
Land Use	Clears and cultivates forests, with land usually cleared by fire.	Raises livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep, and camels, or domesticated reindeer in tundra regions.
Fallow Period	Long fallow period, typically more than five years, during which the land regains its fertility.	Shorter fallow period compared to shifting cultivation.
Location	Practiced in areas with high rainfall and poor soils near the tropics.	Found in arid and semi-arid parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe, as well as tundra regions of Asia and Europe.

Both shifting cultivation and nomadic herding are examples of primitive subsistence agriculture, and they are practiced temporarily by indigenous communities.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.