Shifting Cultivation, Gender and REDD+ in West and Central Africa

USAID’s Forest Carbon, Markets, and Communities (FCMC) Program issue brief

This brief discusses expert findings on shifting cultivation and REDD+ in West and Central Africa, taken from a 2012 workshop.

Shifting cultivation is the practice of temporarily cultivating land and then allowing it to revert to natural vegetation, while moving on to another plot. Cultivation is usually stopped when the soil shows signs of exhaustion or when the field is overtaken by weeds. It has emerged as a key social and environmental issue related to REDD+.

Participants, for example, asked whether it is possible for REDD+ to improve the lives and environment of shifting cultivators without restricting this practice. Panelists said USAID needs to know more about the distribution and ranges of this cultivation and the farmers who are practicing it. The STEWARD forest conservation program and the use of geographic information system (GIS) mapping was also discussed.

Other findings:

•   Women’s involvement in food production is important to consider.

•   Managers are optimistic that the Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE) program is laying the groundwork for a locally owned, participatory and sustainable REDD+ model. CARPE is also using satellite monitoring and pursuing macro- and micro-zoning in order to protect landscapes.