Land Use in Shifting Cultivation: The Case of the Bongando (Ngandu) in Central Zaire

Abstract

Land use pattern of the Bongando, shifting cultivators living in central Zaire is studied, using data of remote sensing, land use map, and soil sampling. Cultivation-fallow cycle of the Bongando is not completed within the secondary forest, and the surrounding primary forest is successively cleared. It is because of sedentarization, population growth, and penetration of market economy. However, clear difference in soil fertility cannot be detected between forest and field, i.e. field soil is not extremely depleted by the cultivation. It suggests that by taking appropriate measures such as periodical village movement, tropical rain forest and its soil might be utilized continuously.