Citemene, Figure Millet and Bemba Culture: A Socio-Ecological Study of Slash-and-Burn Cultivation in Northeastern Zambia

Abstract

The citemene system, a unique slash-and-burn horticulture to cultivate finger millet and cassava as the main crops, developed by the Bemba living in the miombo woodland in northeastern Zambia is analyzed from a socio-ecological viewpoint, based primarily on the data obtained from a three and half month field study. This paper concentrates on the activities and their results involved in citemene cultivation in a small village. After brief description of the annual work, some ecological features of the citemene field and its surrounding woodland, and the citemene system as a subsistence strategy are analyzed. Each household uses a subsistence strategy to adjust the acreage of the citemene fields and mound fields over the course of several years, according to the characteristics of its composition and social conditions. Traditions such as bride-service and polygamy have a strong influence on this strategy. While cassava is very important as a subsidiary staple crop, people give high value to finger millet not only as a staple crop but also as a material used in the manufacture of local beer which is indispensable for rituals, asking for joint work and communal drinking. Heavy attachment to finger millet is deep-rooted in Bemba culture. It helps to preserve the citemene system and conserve the traditional communal way of life at the village level.