サラワク低地の土地利用と未利用(<特集>東南アジア低地開拓史 : 東南アジアにおける低地開発の諸相)

Abstract

The lowland of Sarawak is one of the least developed and the most sparsely populated areas in Southeast Asia. First, its wet rice cultivation is described. The traditional cultivation method is characterized by (a) use of dibbling stick, (b) zero-tillage, and (c) fallowing. The rationale of the method and changes in recent years are discussed in relation to the peculiar physical conditions and population pressure in the area. Second, the cultivators of lowland rice are compared with those of hill rice. The seemingly clear-cut geographical differentiation of the two groups is critically examined in the light of the historical pattern of migration of various ethnic groups. Third, the productivity of wet and hill rice is compared. Boserup's theory on the relationship between landuse intensity and population pressure is tested in this context. Fourth, the possibilities of development of the lowland of Sarawak with such cash crops as rubber, coconuts and sago palm are discussed. Fifth, the most basic problem of the area, that is, the deep peat, is further discussed in some depth. Finally, a perspective of the further development of the lowland of Sarawak is presented.