The impact of Jhum cultivation on hilly area (Rangamati, Khagrachari)

Abstract

In our research work, we surveyed Jhum cultivation of Langadu Upazila, Rangamati, and Babuchara, Dighinala in Khagrachari and collected data based on interviews. This survey was conducted from August 2020 to December 2020. The objectives of this survey were to understand the impact of Jhum cultivation on environmental degradation, and we also reviewed the existing crops production system in that hilly area which gave us an idea about the current situation of Jhum cultivation. Data was collected in three parts, we collected general information from Jhum landowners by a survey questionnaire, demonstrate the study area with photographs, and direct field observation was used to get the idea of the current situation. People with different age groups and different educational qualifications took part in our survey. Most of the respondents were < 50 years but very few of those respondents were uneducated and it is observed that 10 persons out of 30 were educated. From the survey, we got to know that about 67% of the framers are practicing Jhum for more than 6 years. And we found out that about 30 types of yields are filled with Jhum Chas whereas previously they used to cultivate only 15 to 20 types of yields that means the soil is being used more than the previous time. But surprisingly about 86% of our local respondents think that because of Jhum cultivation they are facing deforestation and about 60% of them think that they lose different types of bird and animal species because of Jhum cultivation, also about 40% of them think that they are facing environmental issues because of Jhum. Most importantly we found out that overall, 94% of people think that population growth is the main culprit for the overly practiced Jhum cultivation which is currently practicing on the perpetual territory. So, from this research, we can identify that the local people are aware of the adverse effect of Jhum cultivation but they don’t have alternatives that is why they are still relying on this cultivation process.

Keywords

• jhum
• climate change
• questionnaire survey